Monday's Health Tip: Holiday Indulgence

Boy oh boy, the holidays can wreak havoc on your diet. Cookies, dinners, parties-- all of these can add up to lots of fun, but unwanted expansion on your waistline.

I'm a big believer in moderation. I don't believe in denying yourself, especially around the holiday season. After all, you should be able to kick back, relax with family and friends, and enjoy some seasonal treats, am I right?

With that being said, a little moderation and will-power go a long way. You don't have to eat everything that is put in front of you. We all have our favorite cookies and dishes, but do you really need to eat that fruit cake Great Aunt Martha made, just because it's there? No, you don't.

So, since I always do well with lists, I'm offering you a list of holiday do's and don'ts to abide by this holiday season, in an effort to cut down on over-indulging:

1.) Don't deny yourself your favorite foods. Do you look forward to a certain dish every year? Then eat it! Denying yourself will most likely lead to you completely pigging out down the road. Allow yourself a small serving of whatever it is you are craving, and eat it slowly. Savoring each bite will help keep you from going back for seconds.

2.) Don't skip meals! Eat a healthy meal before going to your holiday parties and festivities. Going on a full stomach will make it a little easier to resist gobbling down every treat in sight when you get there.

3.) While we're on the topic of meals...Eat your normal, healthy diet during the week. Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean you get a free pass to completely fall off the wagon. Enjoy yourself when you are out, but keep it healthy when you're home and during the work week.

4.) Make the gym a priority. Holiday shopping, baking, visiting family...it's easy to see why the gym falls by the wayside during the holiday season. Make going to the gym a priority. Schedule it into your planner just like any other important meetings or appointments you have. Treating it like any other can't-miss item will make it more likely for you to go. And remember- exercise helps cut down on stress, which is key during this time of year!

5.) Don't beat yourself up. If you do over-indulge one night, don't beat yourself up over it. Accept it, move on, and get back on the wagon the next day. One slip shouldn't ruin your entire holiday season. Tis the season for joy and happiness, right?

 

So, with this list in hand, go out and enjoy this last week before Christmas. I'll be baking some cookies and making gift baskets tonight. All I need is a favorite Christmas movie and I'll be fully submerged in the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays!!

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