It has been a year that we will never forget, but we finally made it to the holidays. Even though the holidays look a little different than normal, they are still the holidays!
There are no big Christmas parties this year, no big company parties, no big secret Santa gift exchanges (unless you are awesome and doing something virtually) and there are no big family gatherings with all the yummy food and drinks. Even though we aren’t gathering this year like we have in the past, the holidays always bring a little extra anxiety when it comes to eating right and staying on your fitness routine.
Here are my tips for keeping yourself accountable to a healthy lifestyle and feeling good physically and mentally through the next few weeks!
1. Don’t drink your calories
I know there are 97 drinks on the Starbucks menu that look so delicious right now. Gingerbread latte, peppermint frap, the list goes on and my mouth is watering just thinking about them. But my number one piece of advice during the holidays is, don’t drink your calories. Some of these drinks have over 500 calories! Without even knowing it, you are setting yourself up for failure. Focus your calories around food that gives you energy and keeps you full – don’t waste them on festive coffees!
2. Intermittent fasting
I have written about fasting in the past and I still stand by it. I think fasting is a great tool and it is especially beneficial during times where you have a lot of events or parties (virtual or not) that are centered around eating. I think fasting is great because you aren’t changing what you are eating, you are changing when you are eating and it is still effective. Anyone can do that! I only eat from 12pm – 8pm, three to four times a week. I recommend starting with 3 days a week and working your way up to more frequently. You can change the times of day to what works for you, but shoot for 8 hours of eating and 16 hours of fasting.
3. Don’t miss your workout
This one isn’t a secret or a helpful tip, it’s just the truth. As your schedule gets crazier and you get busier, don’t let your workouts suffer! The days are shorter, it’s cold outside, and your motivation starts to dissolve so be aware of that and don’t let yourself make excuses! Buy a friend an online workout membership, or buy yourself a new pair of workout clothes. Whatever it takes to spark your motivation until the new year, do it! Invest in yourself!
4. Portion control
This is something that I have become so much better at as I have gotten older. Instead of not allowing yourself to eat cookies or chips or whatever it is for you, let yourself have whatever you want – just in small portions. If you deprive yourself so strictly of things throughout the holidays, you will set yourself up for failure. Have a sugar cookie, just don’t eat 8 of them. Let yourself have pancakes on Christmas morning (that’s my family tradition) just don’t eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Portion control is your friend.
5. Let yourself indulge and relax
My last tip is the most important one; let yourself relax. If you miss a workout, i’s okay. If you don’t get all your steps in, it’s okay. Make sure you are focusing on what really matters during this month, which is enjoying time with the people you love. Make the cookies with your mom, make the gingerbread house with your kids, do all the things you want to do and don’t hold onto guilt. It has been quite the year and there is so much stress on your body, make sure you cut yourself some slack!
Your body and mind have been through some serious stress this year, be kind to yourself! Happy Holidays!
