As the season of food, family and fun approaches I want to share some tips for enjoying this time of year and help you avoid squeezing into those “post-holiday pants” that might have gotten a wee bit tight come January 1st.
As we plan our upcoming social activities, parties, galas and such, it’s important to remember not to overdo it. Just as over exercising can cause exhaustion and injury so can overindulging. Here are a few tips to maintain your weight and sanity over the next couple of months:
- Try not to over commit yourself to festivities. This can be a challenge as the invitations to dinners, cocktail hours, office parties, and holiday events start flooding your mailbox. Make a commitment to yourself to select a couple of your favorite events and stick to attending those only. This will help you limit the amount of eating out and the temptation of over doing it on festive foods and treats. You don’t need to try everything. When those goodies are being dropped off or left out to eat, avoid the temptation to try everything. Set your limits and stick to them. Choose something that you know you enjoy rather than sampling everything on the sweet tray.
- Eat in advance. If you are planning to attend a cocktail hour, have your healthy meal in advance so hunger doesn’t drive you to order less than nutritious foods.
- Pre-plan your strategy for the holidays whether it’s a macro counter or calorie counter, set your limit and don’t go over what you have pre-set for yourself.
- Portion control. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. So, when that turkey dinner comes out, get a small portion of your favorite items and enjoy to your satisfaction!
- And remember, if all else fails … be kind to yourself! It is okay to treat yourself. If you happen to REALLY get into those treats - don’t be hard on yourself. Reset and get back to it. It’s about progression, not perfection.
This is a great time of year in sunny Florida from having fabulous weather, to enjoying family and friends. Take a moment to be thankful for yourself and all the beauty around this time of year!
*This article was also published in the Coastal Breeze on November 18, 2021.
