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Taking Care of Your Body During the Holiday Season
The Holidays are Coming!
Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here and then Christmas and the New Year and all the parties that the Holiday season brings. This is also the time when a lot of people forego their regular eating habits and start their "holiday eating". This includes cookies, cakes, and all the other "goodies" that your associates bring into the office. The office holiday parties, parties hosted by your friends and the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers with family are all opportunities for you to over-eat.
After the holiday season it is common for you to find yourself at least five pounds heavier or more. If you lose that holiday weight, good for you! But if you are one of many, that holiday weight never gets lost and just accumulates year after year. To start yourself onto a healthy holiday road, follow these Do's and Don'ts.
DO have a Plan...Plan out your holiday parties and obligations and chores. Make the holiday season fun and relaxing. Don't stress yourself by overextending yourself and over-doing. Stress or too much stress is not good for your health, and it can make you snack more than usual, contributing to your holiday weight. Cut out any unnecessary stuff and be prepared to say "No".
DO be Organized...Along with the planning, be organized. Make lists-To Do List, Shopping/Gift list, Errands list, etc. Having a list can make your life seem less hectic. The lists keep you on track and eliminates any wasted time.
DON'T skip Meals...Keep your regular eating schedule. This keeps your metabolism on an even level and prevents you from binge eating from hunger.
DO have Time for Yourself...Take at least ten minutes for yourself each day. This could be drinking your coffee in the quiet of the morning, soaking in the tub at the end of the day, or reading a chapter of a book. This time for yourself is a time to relax and have some calmness before you get back into your busy schedule.
DO focus more on People than the Food...When you go to a party or a gathering, spend more time with the people than eating and snacking. Greet your host or hostess. Talk to several others before heading to the food. Once there choose more of the healthier options and then step away from the table and then do some more mingling.
DON'T be a Drunk...Have a drink or two but know your limit. If you know you are going to be drinking more, have a designated driver. Remember that alcohol adds calories, which adds onto your holiday weight.
DO keep Moving...Exercise at least three times a day for at least half an hour. This can be walking or stretching or weight lifting, or anything. It gets darker earlier so more people tend to stay inside and not do much, adding to your holiday weight. After heavy meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, go for a walk with the family or play a game outside. Be Active.
DO make Healthier Choices...White turkey meat is a healthier option than dark meat. Have mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes but don't add gravy. Start the meal with a salad or vegetables instead of dinner rolls. If you want some of the pecan pie or pumpkin pie, do so; have a smaller slice and skip the cool whip and ice cream. Don't deny yourself but take smaller portions and always pick the healthier choice.
DON'T have Seconds...If you have already eaten a plate of food, you are no longer hungry. It takes awhile for your brain to realize that the body is full. By the time you are onto your second plate of food, you are well underway of being "stuffed". If you have finished eating, talk to other people at the table while they finish instead of going for seconds.
Disclaimer: This site and its services are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. See full disclaimer.
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