3. Choose Wisely //Realize that some foods only come around this time of year. That also doesn’t mean throw caution to the wind. If you are debating between a Peppermint Mocha or Chipotle, go with the mocha…Chipotle will always be around. Just be cautious with Starbucks drinks, they are loaded with sugars! Go skinny and go small. All you really want or need is a taste, not an overload.
4. Learn to Say “No Thank You” // People are going to give you goodies. Cookies, pies, cakes,candies galore. Learn to say “No Thank You”. As a person who bakes a lot solely to give it to others, they most likely won’t be offended. And if they know your desire for a healthy lifestyle, they should respect your decision.
5. Have Friends Over // By having friends over you can control what is being made. Sounds control freakish I know but trust me it works.
6. Have Just a Taste // If there is a Christmas delicacy you MUST have, then have it but in moderation. I allow myself treats when needed. Because let’s be real, not allowing anything during this season may possibly bring out your inner scrooge…that my friends we don’t want. Have a slice of pumpkin roll, a sliver of peppermint cheesecake, or a bit of peanut brittle….just don’t sit down and eat numerous servings. That will cause a sugar coma, tummy ache, a trip to the pharmacy for some Pepto and you sitting on the couch contemplating why you ate that…all of which are not good feelings.
7. Hydrate // Drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to ward off those hunger pains. Most of the time when you’re hungry you are really just thirsty. I keep a water bottle with me all the time. Granted, I do have little human servants (aka students..they’re really not my servants) that will fill my water bottle up and even ask to when they see it’s low. Don’t wait until the end of the day to drink your water. You’re defeating the purpose and you’ll have to pee all night long…just saying…
8. Keep Your Hands Busy // How many times do we eat out of boredom? I know that was a huge thing for me in the past. I was bored so I’d find something to eat. My body didn’t need the food, my brain needed an activity. Read a book, get outside, learn a new craft. Do something that will take your mind off of food.
9. Listen to Your Body // Learn to know when your body is full and when it is hungry. Also if your body is genuinely hungry give it what it needs, nutrients. Eat an apple with peanut butter or some carrots and hummus…not an Oreo truffle.
10. Remake Your Favorites // Explore the world of cooking…scary to some I know. But when you cook your own foods that is when you can control.
11. Start a Challenge // Gather up a group of family members, friends, co-workers and do a Christmas time challenge.
- Who can eat the most colors in one meal?
- Who can drink the most water?
- Who can do 20 push ups under the tree?
- Or…you can go visit my friend Lindsey and join in on the Elf for Health..Rounds 2 and 3 of course!
12. Find New Stress Relievers // This time of year is stressful. Between all the parties, get-togethers, fighting traffic, and finances, there will be stress. Don’t take it out on a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Take a walk, journal your thoughts, drink some tea, take a nap {if possible}, give yourself a manicure and pedicure….pray. Food isn’t going to solve your problems. Sure it tastes good but a few hours down the road…is your problem gone?
13. Take the Stairs // Any chance you have to get in extra movement use it! Truly make every moment count. So when you can feasibly take the stairs do it. That extra burn will help somewhere down the road.
14. Plan Ahead // Plan your meals and snacks. I love cooking and prepping on the weekend. I just recently learned the joys of smoothie packs. These are wonder when I need a sweet hit at night before bed. I just chop up a variety of fruits, place a single serving of 2-3 different fruits in a bag, and freeze them. When I’m ready for a smoothie I take a bag out, put the contents in a blender, add some almond milk (you can do regular dairy..I choose not too) and blend. It’s super yummy, cost saving and time efficient!
Menu planning is great too, that way you don’t have to question what you want to make.
Chop up veggies and fruits for easy-to-grab snacks throughout the week: apples, bananas, and baby carrots. Clementines are lovely and in season right now.
15. Live // I think this is the most important part. Live. Understand that no one is perfect and you will slip up. But there is grace in every moment. We are all learning about life each day. If you over indulge one meal it’s not the end. Pick yourself up, dust off whatever shame, disgust, lost hope feelings you may have and move on. Balance yourself back out. The worst thing you could do this holiday season is live a life of being trapped to restrictions …..that takes the grace out of living.
You can find the happy medium between restriction and over indulgence…that is where healthy begins. 
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Live Well. Feel Well. Be Well. Remarkable Me. 