Mid-Way Holiday Eating Assessment

With the holiday season in full swing, I think it is important to take a step back now and reflect on the past month and a half to assess the choices you have made not only at holiday parties, but also on the choices you have made on all the days in between. It is important to check yourself about halfway though the season to praise yourself for the accomplishments you have made when it comes to health, fitness and staying on track. It is also a time to come up with solutions for some of the challenges you may have faced in the past month so you can correct them moving forward. After all, the holidays are not close to being over yet!

Note that it is important to stay positive and committed, while at the same time allowing yourself to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Maybe you ate too much on Thanksgiving and it was hard to get back on track the days following with all the leftovers in the house. Or, maybe you have been so busy with holiday shopping that you didn’t have time to prepare healthy meals or hit the gym.

Whatever the case may be, this is the perfect time to take a step back and analyze why. Coming up with solutions now can help you get through the rest of the holidays. It is important to come up with solutions to typical problems such as overeating and time management, so you can enjoy a guilt-free holiday!

The holidays are supposed to be about celebration and joy! It is important now to focus on weight maintenance not weight loss during this time of year. Trying to deprive yourself will only lead you to overeating. Allow yourself to enjoy that fabulous main course and the sweet desserts that follow. Permitting yourself to do so beforehand will result in you less likely to binge.

I cannot stress how important it is to be mindful during this time of year. Allowing yourself to eat while being aware of your body will have the greatest outcome. Try to imagine how you want to feel after your meal to help you not overeat. Pay attention to each bite you take and chew your food slowly. Really enjoy the textures and tastes that all your favorite foods have to offer. Doing so will have you feeling satisfied with less. Do not have an all or nothing attitude! Keep in mind that alcohol has the ability to inhibit your judgment. If this is an issue for you, plan ahead and be smart in your decisions.

With all the holiday hustle and bustle, it may be hard to prepare your meals and stay on track with your gym routine. Maybe you have been choosing unhealthy options because you don’t have time to cook. What is a good solution?

Try using Sunday nights to cook food in bulk so you have it for the rest of the week. For example, grill a family pack of chicken and toss a portion in a salad for lunch each day. When you are shopping, always pack a healthy snack. There are so many healthy on-the-go snack options. Try tossing a piece of fruit, baby carrots, string cheese, trail mix, or a peeled hard boiled egg into your bag before going to the store. Waiting until you are starving to eat after will lead to consuming more later on.

If you have found yourself struggling to get to the gym, plan your schedule out the day before. By having a schedule ready to go for the following day, you will be sure to fit in even a half hour workout. Calculate how long it will take you to complete each task and try to stick to it. Pencil in the gym like it is an appointment.

Lastly, don’t get down on yourself if you have had difficulty sticking to your normal routine. You are human! Fortunately, tomorrow is a new day and now that you have reflected on some challenges you’ve had half way through the season, you have the power and tools to overcome them throughout the rest of the season, merry and mindfully!

Your Turn To Take Action: What strategies will you use to be merry and mindful for the rest of your holiday season?