Nutrition During The Holidays

Disclaimer

As we enter this Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year season there arises a question about nutrition during the holidays. How to avoid sabotaging your fitness progress you have obtained during the past year?

Now we know that nobody wants to be the weirdo in the corner munching on celery sticks, but we also don’t want to be the family member wearing stretchy pants to Thanksgiving knowing they are going to binge eat everything.

During this holiday season it is important to be thankful for the blessings that you have.  Being thankful for our family, friends, career and the luxury to be able to exercise and care about our health and fitness.

As you prepare for the holiday season here are some simple, easy to execute tips to stay on track.

Have a game plan

Most of you reading this follow a workout program.  Do the same as you enter a gathering: have a game plan and strategy in mind to follow.  Create a plan in your mind of what foods you do want to enjoy. Arriving with a game plan allows you to not waste extra Calories on foods you don’t really enjoy.

Moderation

Moderation is a key aspect to control during the holidays. Try not to get overwhelmed by the idea of destroying your physique in one day. Instead focus on moderation and balance. Think of achieving a balanced plate with lean protein and healthy carbohydrates. When it comes to the sweet stuff, remember, having one piece of pie is fine just don’t eat the entire pie.

Give yourself grace

If you do decide to over-indulge, no big deal, just hit your reset button as fast as possible.  It is easy to continue eating leftovers for the next week, but you don’t have to. Most desserts you can freeze (up to 3 months) to enjoy over time rather then feeling like you must consume it all quickly before spoilage.

Remember to be present

Enjoy the company you have around you. If you spend the holiday worried about your nutrition or staring blankly at your phone all day, you may miss out on the experience.

Go for a post-meal walk

Ask if anyone would like to join you in a leisurely walk after eating. Chances are some will want to join you and get some fresh air outside. Easy walking helps ease the digestion of a big meal and burns a few extra Calories along the way.

Snapshot review…

• Have a game plan

• Moderation is key

• Give yourself grace

• Remember to be present

• Go for a post-meal walk

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! If you don't mind, please share this blog post with your friends in hopes that it will help them achieve their goals.

Nancy