10 tips for a happy & healthy holiday
Christmas holidays… on the one hand it can be the best time of the year where you get to relax and spend time with your family. On the other hand, organising food, entertaining guests and keeping everyone happy can be quite stressful at times, and your own needs can get lost in the mayhem!
Today I want to give you some of my top tips for a happy and healthy holiday season.
- Have a plan for your food and exercise routine over the Christmas period and stick to it wherever possible. No one likes to get to the end of a holiday and realise they’ve put on 5kg.
- If food is your main downfall, keep in mind that Christmas is only ONE day – indulge, and then get back on the healthy bandwagon.
- If you fail once, don’t give up altogether. One bad meal doesn’t make a bad diet, just as one good meal doesn’t make a good diet.
- Try to eat mindfully – be aware of what you are eating, take the time to chew and digest. Don’t waste calories on junk food you don’t even like that much just because it is there.
- Never eat on two feet – sit down and enjoy your food on a plate.
- Equally, never eat in front of the TV or in bed – by doing this you are linking eating to relaxation and entertainment, which can lead to mindless overeating and emotional eating.
- If you’re going to a Christmas party, have a small protein-based snack so you’re not starving when you get there.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation – if you struggle with this try drinking a glass of water between alcoholic beverages, or if you are taking your drinks along, only take the number of drinks you plan to have.
- It sounds funny, but only eat with people you like. You don’t want to end up with indigestion!
- Be picky about the Christmas functions you want to attend. Parties are often a place of over-indulgence for many of us, so choosing ones that are really important to you will mean you don’t have to put yourself in that situation too often. Remember you’re not 21 any more!
Believe it or not, it is possible to get to the New Year be the same weight as you are now, or even lighter. If you make a pact to eat healthy, exercise and follow the simple tips above, you’ll be well on your way.
We hope these tips will help you to stay sane, happy and healthy over the Christmas break!
Yours in health,
Peter
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