Tag: release

Avoiding all holiday food challenges is nearly impossible. Adjust your goals and your action plan for success during this time. Your goal may be to “maintain, don’t gain” during a holiday season.

Celebration days throughout the year are likely a small fraction of your overall year. Of course, stretching celebration days into weeks and months as a “holiday season” can pose challenges to your healthy goals. Even during traditional “holiday seasons,” stick with your healthy habits on nearly all days.

Healthy Holiday Strategies:

*  Have a healthy snack (fiber-rich carbohydrate + protein & a healthy fat) before going to the event.

*  Keep a drink in your hand (choose water most of the time) and sip throughout the event.

*  Avoid tables with appetizers and food. Talk with others away from where snacks are served.

*  Prioritize exercise. This will help you manage stress and keep your metabolism running hot.

*  Focus on people, not food. Visit friends and relatives. Take non-food gifts, such as flowers.

*  Modify meals to include less sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.

*  Create new traditions that are not planned around food. Do volunteer work or plan a hike/outdoor adventure with friends and family.

*  Use stress management tools in this guide.

*  Get enough quality sleep.