For many of us, the holidays are spent celebrating with family and friends, where food often takes center stage. It’s a time when many people fall off their health journey and even gain unwanted weight. While choosing not to restrict yourself or exercise during this time may be a conscious choice for some, others may wish to stay on track with their goals.
Staying on track with your health while still enjoying the festivities is entirely possible with some mindful strategies.
Avoid Overeating:
- Set up a buffet-style serving instead of having food on the table.
- Socialize away from food to reduce temptation.
- Don’t skip meals before a holiday feast—this can backfire by leading to overeating.
Non-Food Celebrations:
- Plan activities like a holiday 5K run, a family walk to see lights, or volunteering at a food bank to focus on the spirit of the season without centering everything around food.
Bring or Offer Healthy Options:
- If you’re attending, bring a healthy dish to share.
- If you’re hosting, provide healthy choices and offer to send leftovers home in containers or gallon bags to avoid overeating the next day.
Mindful Eating:
- Set intentions for your meal. Want to try everything? Opt for smaller portions.
- If there’s a dessert you’ve been craving, focus on that and skip other indulgences.
Exercise:
- Stay active, even if you’re traveling. Exercise helps burn extra calories and reduce stress, which can prevent stress-eating.
Practice Self-Compassion:
- If you slip up, don’t be hard on yourself. Learn from the experience and refocus for the next meal or day. One indulgence doesn’t derail your entire journey.
By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy the holidays and still make progress toward your health goals without feeling deprived. It’s all about balance, mindfulness, and making conscious choices while staying kind to yourself.