1) Don’t Eat Your Emotions – The sudden proximity of family or lack of due to COVID can sometimes bring up emotions. Small slights can reopen old wounds, especially with loved ones.
The fact that your Aunt or Uncle is happy to crack jokes to everyone know at Christmas dinner table what she thinks or your appearance or comment on you in anyway it doesn’t mean you need to sabotage your self-control and discipline. Instead of attacking that bowl of mashed potatoes to combat your unease, remind yourself of your fitness goals and resolutions and do your best to laugh it off.
2) Moderation Is Your Friend – Enjoy yourself. Have fun. Treat yourself and indulge a little. Just don’t get carried away. Be aware of the difference between treating yourself and overdoing it. Sure, having that large mocha with whipped cream while visiting your sister is perfectly fine, but having it five days in a row during the holidays is not. A treat is no longer a treat if you do it too often.
3) Drink Plenty of Water – The abundance of salty foods during the holidays makes drinking more water an imperative. Also, staying hydrated makes us less inclined to be hungry or, at least, feel hungry. Carry a bottle of water with you when shopping. It will also help fight off the overwhelming need to ‘accidentally’ stumble into your local See’s Candy only to find yourself surrounded by a formidable army of chocolates.
4) Walk It Off! – Our wellbeing can be put to the test this time of year. Walking for thirty minutes to an hour is a fantastic way to manage stress, especially after a big meal with family. Keep your activity high and focus on your NEAT. Set a steps target, be active with the family and play some games like cricket, soccer, football, totem tennis and or swimming!
5 - Relax! – Don’t take the holidays too seriously and remember that most of us are in the same boat. There’s no need to restrict yourself and put pressure on yourself that will trigger an avalanche of unintended junk food.
Balance is important to a healthy lifestyle.