Keeping our weight in check through the holiday season is tricky. From feasts with family to readily available candies and cookies, the food is everywhere. A few of these and just a handful of those adds up over through the season. Before you know it, you?re shopping for bigger pants in the new year.
Choose Beverages and Cocktails Wisely. Eggnog, Hot Buttered Rum, White Russians, and Peppermint Mochas are just a few of the drinks people reach for when there is that wintery chill in the air. Most of them are 300 calories or more per serving. Sipping just two of these drinks is about the same amount of calories as a full, healthy meal.
Simple ways to cut back the calories of drinks can mean skipping whipped cream, switching from regular soda to diet, or swapping cream for 2% milk in creamy cocktails. Pre-mixed versions of drinks like eggnog can be purchased in low calorie or ?light? versions. You can also pick one of the similar, lower calorie cocktails, like chocolate martinis or mud slides. Get instant calorie content for drinks by using an app like DrinkFit.
Don?t Forget About Portions. The incredible spreads we encounter during the holidays can make it tough not to load up your plate with too much food. Stick to regular portion sizes. Make a plate, then sit down to eat it. Be mindful of what you?re eating, even if you?re socializing while you eat. Pay attention to when you feel full. Commit to not snacking after you?ve finished your meal. If there is a buffet, do not stand next to it. The urge to pick at food is tougher to overcome if it?s all within arm?s reach.
Manage Holiday Stress in a Healthy Way. Instead of eating your way through stressful moments, make sure to take care of yourself. Find a quiet, calm space and spend some time alone. If you meditate, be sure to find time to practice. Likewise make time to be with people whose company you love. Take a long walk with just your spouse or grab a coffee with a good friend. The holidays are about giving and togetherness, but you won?t have much to give if you don?t give yourself TLC.
Maintain Your PMA (positive mental attitude). Even though the common belief that suicides increase during the holidays is a myth, this time of year can be deeply depressing for many. If you feel deeply sad, cannot enjoy things you usual love, or you begin to have suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately. Anywhere in the United States at any hour of the day you may call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is completely free, immediate help.
Do Not Skip Your Workouts. During the rush of season, it?s hard to find time to workout. Your schedule is filled with more commitments than usual. Many have more work than usual this time of year, too. Whatever you do, don?t let those reasons keep you from your workouts. If you have to cut a few minutes from your usual routine to fit it in, do that rather than skip it all together. Even though the rush may have you feel like you?re running on a treadmill, it isn?t burning the same calories as actually running on the treadmill.
Keep these simple tips in mind as you enjoy the holidays. If you take a little bit of time for you and make smart choices, you?ll be wearing the same skinny jeans in January that you were wearing in September.