Stimuli

The holidays are a time to enjoy festivities with friends and family.  Just because you have a health and fitness goal doesn't mean you have to give up holiday festivities.  Often people engage a "diet" mentality which becomes an "I can't" mentality which means they CAN’T maintain their eating plan for the long haul!  Since setting health and fitness goals is part of a lifestyle change, remember life is full of celebrations; we shouldn’t be fearful of these times.  Instead, plan around them so that you can maintain your healthy habits.  A few indulgent meals does not mean you have failed or will not be able to achieve your goals.  

The key to successfully managing holiday eating festivities is to be realistic, have a plan and don't give up your fitness routine.

Here are some tips before attending an event:

• Eat before you go! Have a meal or snack that is higher in protein, moderate in carbs and low in fat.
• Don’t starve yourself the day of the event! Not eating leading into the event will result in over indulging.
• Make healthy food choices leading up to the event.
• Once you arrive, do enjoy the array of food, but be sure to also select from the veggie and fruit dishes too. Veggies and fruit will help fill you up and prevent overeating on less healthy dishes.

If you tell yourself that you can have whatever you like as long as you are hungry for it, you will be less likely to overeat.  It's when we tell ourselves that we "shouldn't" that we tune out and eat unconsciously until we feel guilty.  Give yourself permission and think moderation.

Liquid calories are often even more calorie dense than the food we eat!  Remember, alcohol, regardless of its source, has almost as much calories as fat does per gram.  If you add a mix to it, there's even more calories.  That said enjoying some drinks is certainly ok. 

Remember:

• If you have an extra special occasion that you don't want to limit the amount of alcohol, then make it one occasion, not every occasion!
• Drink plenty of water. Skip the pop or punch and opt for water instead.

Ease your guilt, don’t forgo your workouts. Staying committed to your exercise plan over the holidays, provides the opportunity to work off the extra calories you may have consumed. Get out with family, go for a walk. Burning more calories allows us to enjoy additional calories and get more active!

Remember to enjoy the holidays, not dread them and stay tuned for more holiday eating and fitness tips!

by Andrea Ferguson
Fitness and Nutrition expert & founder of Life Designs Fitness & Nutrition and contributor to Stimuli Magazine