Have you ever gone to the gym in January? It’s usually packed with people who try to shake off the weight they gained during the holidays or set a New Year's resolution for a better body. Why not keep yourself in check during the celebrations instead of desperately trying to get rid of the holiday pounds afterward?
That's why I'm sharing a few simple strategies to help you stay motivated to eat healthy during the holiday season.
Prepare Yourself Before The Feasts
To prevent yourself from over-indulging in the holiday treats never go hungry to a party or family gathering! Have a healthy snack before you leave home some of my favorites are:
- homemade hummus
- veggies and dip
- whole grain cereal
- overnight oats
Offer Healthy Holiday Food
If you are hosting a party, you can prepare healthy holiday dishes in addition to the high-calorie meals. Your guests who are also struggling with the tasty temptations will be thankful! You can also ask the host if you can bring an additional dish to the party, most of the time your offer will be welcomed with open arms!
A few ideas include:
- chickpea sweet potato burgers (a great appie)
- greek salad
- roasted veggies
Do Everything In Moderation
Instead of telling yourself “I can’t eat this,” try to enjoy the food in moderation, depriving yourself will only backfire. Just make your portions smaller, eat slowly and drink more water!
Take it one celebration at a time! You'll notice that once you get through your first party with moderation in mind the rest only get easier.
Count The Liquid Calories
Even though I don't want to admit it, my holiday downfall is Egg Nog. It is not only the food you eat that is responsible for weight gain, alcoholic beverages and other sweet drinks make up a huge percent of the additional empty calories over the holidays.
Staying hydrated is the key to keeping away from these tricky liquid calories. Need to quench your thirst? Grab a water and squeeze in some lemon or my favorite is Sodastream water with frozen pineapples!
Keep Moving
Staying physically active during the holidays reduces stress levels, gives you a boost of energy, and decreases your craving for unhealthy food. An easy way to keep moving is to join in on the kids fun whether they are ice skating, sledding, or building a snowman the fresh air and backyard fun will keep you active and you can have fun with the kids at the same time
Whatever you do don't fall into the trap of getting too relaxed over the holidays and indulging. If you find yourself falling into the vicious cycle phone a friend and go for a walk! It always helps to have an accountability partner.
Follow these simple tips on staying motivated to eat healthy over the holidays and you'll go into the New Year without regrets.