THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE!

 Christmas/New Year's is often described as the best time of the year, but for some, it can be a bit challenging and even stressful. For those of us with health and fitness goals, holidays revolving around lots of food (oftentimes, food that doesn't always align with our goals) and spending money we don't have can be daunting. So I hope this blog can provide some encouragement and tips to help you find some balance during the holidays!

1. Set intentions for the week

Plan some intentions ahead of time. What will help you feel good, help you stay on track with your goals, and provide you with time to relax and enjoy time with your friends and family?

Does that mean setting aside time to recharge by yourself? Prepping a few meals ahead of time? Walks outside or maybe a relaxing yoga class? Maybe even an extra nap? Set a game plan for yourself and be realistic. You can have a fun holiday season without putting stress on yourself.

2. Focus on mindfulness during mealtimes

When a lot of our goals or plans revolve around nutrition it can be easy for holiday food to become more stressful than enjoyable. When you are eating with friends and family make sure to include all the foods you enjoy on your plate! We don't want to build up habits of restriction, but rather, of balance. That is the great thing about macros too! You can fit anything into your plan as long as it fits your macros! Instead of eliminating certain foods/food groups, listen to your body and honor it but remember listening to your body also means respecting when it is telling you it is satisfied. Take your time when you eat, have some water with your food and take pauses to check in with how you're feeling. You can trust your hunger and fullness cues. Remember, one of the best parts of the holidays, is who you are spending them with. So focus more on enjoying time with everyone around the table rather than putting the focus on the food on top of the table.

3. Don't skip meals

Occasionally, it can be tempting to convince yourself that it would be better to skip breakfast or lunch if you know you are going to have a bigger dinner. However, this can cause more harm than good. Make a point to eat smaller and more nutritious meals throughout the day to maintain strong metabolic functions and to keep the day as normal as possible for your digestive system. The last thing you'd want to do is to shock your digestive system at the end of the day with an overload of calories when it has not been put to work all day.

4. Keep moving

Find time to stay active during the holidays. It can be so easy to take weeks at a time off from the gym especially when it is cold outside and the hot chocolate and warm fires are inside. Taking walks outside or finding time to get a little workout in, can help you relax and sleep better that night, get your digestive system moving and those endorphins will help you feel even better! No need to run a marathon or do some Navy Seal-type training (unless you are just dying to gift yourself the gift of pain this Christmas). Just try to stick to your plan and keep those muscles and joints happy. :)

5. Don't beat yourself up

If you happen to eat a little more than you may have originally planned or you didn't follow your game plan perfectly, don't beat yourself up! The holiday season is a couple of weeks out of 52 weeks of the year. Give yourself some grace and know that it is ok to be flexible. We want the holidays to feel like a holiday rather than prison. :)

 In the end, focusing on being mindful of your food and hunger/fullness cues, being present with friends and family, honoring your body and respecting your own goals can help you have an enjoyable holiday season! 

Have an AMAZING Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or needs!

I am here for you and your goals and dreams!

Stephanie

Reach out HERE today to schedule a consultation call.