Ways to Stay Healthy and Happy this Holiday Season
It’s the holidays, and like most people, we seem to find less time to work out and more sweet treats and tempting buffet tables at every turn. Experiencing this special time of the year with the focus on celebrating the gathering of family and friends coming together, instead of an exercise in willpower, helps us enjoy the abundance we share in a more meaningful way.
“Easier said than done!” you might tell me, and I get that. So in the spirit of giving, I have decided to share a few of my favorite tips, to help you stay fit, healthy and happy throughout this holiday season.
Shop Well For Yourself
Stock up on delicious healthy foods and snacks, and leave out the indulgences you will find in abundance at dinners and parties. It’s much easier to not get tempted when it’s not in the house; and well-balanced meals will help you feel more satisfied, and it will help you feel good about keeping up with healthy habits.
Eat Before Heading Out
You might think that it’s better to save up your calories for a party by eating less during the day, or even skipping meals, but it’s actually a recipe for failure; we end up eating much more than we normally would (and wanted to), and we end up feeling worst.
So, I keep up with clean meals during the day, and I always have a snack before I head out: My “go to” is a small bowl of homemade soup; a great balance of vegetables, healthy fats and a little protein. Works every single time!
Stay Hydrated
Did you know that hunger and dehydration feel exactly the same, and we often confuse the two by reaching for more food when it’s water we really need? I am not a “sipper” so I take a big gulp every half hour or so, making sure I carry my water bottle everywhere I go.
I also nutrient-charge my water with slices of lime, lemon or oranges; much more pleasant an attractive for me than plain water. The day after a party, I replenish electrolytes with gut friendly coconut water, and mineral water.
Skip the After-Party Binging
Eating within two hours before going to bed, when our body is still in digesting mode, directly interferes with sound-resting sleep. In addition, our metabolism naturally slows down during the night, so adding calories might result in unwanted added pounds
And, it is a fact that eating before going to bed makes us hungrier when we get up the next day. If you really have to, go for a little fat: a few olives or a slice of turkey will help you cut the urge and minimize the damage.
Get into the calorie-credit zone
Exercise is energizing, so it makes sense to do it earlier rather than later in the day, leaving less room for excuses when we get last minute invitations after work. In addition, burning an extra 500 calories first thing in the morning gives us more room (calorie credits) to maintain healthy weight.
Too busy for the gym?: I love to head out in the cool morning air for a fast paced walk, headsets in ears and a good podcast on. I always come back re-energized and inspired.
Relax & Enjoy!
Emotional eating tends to increase over the holidays, so incorporating relaxation techniques such as taking deep mindful breaths helps us turn on the “relax and reset” mood switch of our nervous system; It’s a real game changer!
Try this technique!
May you embrace this Holiday Season with a renewed sense wonder; a mindful celebration of love with family and friends, and a grateful heart for the abundance we are blessed with.
From my heart to yours,
Isabelle Gagnon
Health Wellness & Lifestyle Coach
Isabelle-Lifestyle
