***image1***The holiday season is replete with temptations and overscheduling. We tend not to eat right, not to schedule healthy activities, and not to take care of our bodies and souls.
These holiday survival tips carry a lot of weight . . . so that you don’t have to!
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Be sure to take time for yourself and set aside some time each day to reenergize. Deep breathing, yoga, physical activity, massage . . . whatever you find that works to recharge your batteries. Make yourself a priority . . . . and don’t forget that exercise can increase your endorphins, raising your mood and eliminating stress almost instantly!
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Set realistic goals this holiday season. Holiday plans may interfere with your regular workout schedule, so remember that a short workout is better than no workout. And the holidays are not the time to try and lose weight – focus instead on maintaining and trying to make it through the season without the usual additional pounds.
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Don’t go it alone! Enlist the help of a friend or family member to help you stay on track. It helps to have someone to exercise with, or someone to check in with at a party.
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Drink, drink, drink . . . water, that is! Try to limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. It may be difficult to drink enough water in the winter months, but you can try to increase your water intake with flavored waters or decaf tea as well. Just remember to steer clear of added sugars.
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Allow room for imperfection. Accept the fact that you may miss a workout, or you may overindulge. Your party may not go perfectly, and the turkey may not turn out exactly as you had hoped. Try not to aim for perfection this holiday season and you won’t be disappointed. And you’ll be thrilled when things DO go well!
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At parties, select only that food which really excites your taste buds. Enjoy your favorite foods and leave "standards" like potato chips, nuts, and store-bought cookies for others. Keep in mind to enjoy those foods you find irresistible in moderation. And try to space your party beverages out with sparkling water in between each one.
Remember that the holidays go on for several days. You can balance your food intake and activity level over the entire holiday period – if you splurge one day, make up for it the next. Or if you have to cut an exercise session short, incorporate an extra day or ten additional minutes into your next workout.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Plan to stay active. Plan to enjoy your favorite foods. Plan to face your foes and obstacles successfully, and your holidays will be both happy and healthy!
Meredith Nelson, M.Ed, is the owner of PrimeTime Fitness, Inc, on Sullivan’s Island. Offering group fitness classes, PrimeTime Spin, private yoga, personal training, and monthly gym membership, Meredith divides her time between the gym on Sullivan’s Island and limited in-home training here on Daniel Island, where she resides along with her husband and two cats. Meredith can be reached with your fitness questions at 883-0101, or Meredith@primetimefit.net.
