When the holidays roll around, diets tend to fly to the wind. The days of festivity and family also include frequent overindulging of food and alcohol. Between the shopping, traveling, feasting, and visiting, not to mention all the workouts you’ve missed as a result, the holidays are a prime time to slip on your diet.
This in turn adds pressure to the New Years resolution to get back on the diet and in shape. It’s no wonder gym memberships increase so dramatically in January.
Keep a Positive Attitude
The most important thing to remember about your diet during the holidays is to stay positive. The stress and pressure of family, making dinners, going to parties and shopping can trigger emotional eating.
Stay focused on eating healthily and continuing your exercise regimen. If you don’t have many holiday plans, try volunteering at a shelter or sponsoring a family. When you sponsor a family, say at a women’s shelter, you can provide gifts, baked goodies, or other support to a family who wouldn’t have those things other wise.
Sleep
We”ve heard the studies on the importance of sleep. Those who get more sleep on average weight less than those who sleep less. Sleep deprivation slows the rate at which your body processes calories. All that aside, a good night’s sleep makes you feel better. You’re less likely to be crabby the next day and will be more prepared to deal with the in-laws, second cousins and all those other relatives we see over the holidays.
Eat Well
It’s hard to eat healthily over the holidays. How can you not eat the cookies, pies or fudge, not to mention the potatoes, ham, turkey or whatever it is that your family prepares to celebrate? Try to eat only those items that are around during the holidays. You can have mashed potatoes any day, but grandma’s dumplings only come around once a year.
If you still have a craving for potatoes, have some leftovers the next day. If you’re cooking this year, make an extra dish or two that’s lower in fat for yourself. Or sneak some soy milk into your mashed potatoes and skip the cream.
Maintain your Workout Routine
All the bustle of the holidays make it difficult to make time to get to the gym. If you can’t get to your gym, there are ways to stay active at home of while you’re out and about. Consider a quick lap around the mall before you start your shopping. Or do a quick routine of sit-ups, push-ups, squats and lunges in your room before breakfast.
It’s amazing what 20 minutes of exercise can do for you during the day. If your family usually watches TV after Thanksgiving dinner, round up some people for a walk. Engage friends in a game of charades, or take the kids outside to build a snowman or go sledding. Chances are once you initiate the activity, everyone else will follow.
Limit your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol has a surprising amount of calories, and holiday alcoholic beverages seem to pack an extra punch. If you love eggnog, have a small glass, and then move on to something else. Try mulled wine or cider instead. And always be sure to drink a glass of water or sparkling water in between alcoholic beverages. Add a splash of tonic, a lemon or lime wedge, or a sprig of mint to spice up your water.
It’s easy to stay focused on your diet and the holidays without giving up all of the festivities. Allow yourself to have fun, be active and stay happy.
Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.
