Now is the time of the year that tends to become tricky when it comes to keeping or getting yourself in shape. There are WAY too many temptations! I try to stay on track every year, but it is so hard! I have the biggest sweet tooth ever. I love to have something sweet after each meal. Yup, I am probably addicted to sugar, but I know I am not alone. The holidays are the worst for this! We all feed into it though… {pardon the pun}, but aren’t we all bringing the sugary and sweet treats to the party? I’m guilty! I LOVE to bake yummy treats! OK, so you want to be as healthy as you can so that once January 1st comes you aren’t one of the crazy ones trying to find a parking spot at the gym at 6PM. Because let’s admit it, you’re not fooling anyone, not even yourself. You need to stick with it and I know you can do it. I put together some things that will most certainly help. It’s also important to stay flu free… because who knows what insane outbreak the government wants to scare us with this flu season… Right?
- Make a plan – Remember that in the short couple of months between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you will most likely be eating foods that you avoid the rest of the year. Think your choices through… “A minute on your lips = A lifetime on your hips!” You don’t have to forbid yourself from the eggnog or Grandma’s famous mud pie, but you do need to plan out how much is OK for you to keep that body of your’s healthy. You work so hard the rest of the year… Don’t fall off now!
- Watch the alcohol – I know, I know!… “Watch the alcohol during the holidays Meg?! How am I going to make it?” You’ll make it… Trust me! And you will feel a hell of a lot better! You really can reverse everything you have done by justifying a couple of cocktails.
- Be consistent – Try to keep your routine and plan as many workouts as possible. I like to work out first thing in the morning… Do it whenever you know you will have time. Focus on how great you will feel when it’s over. Don’t lose that thought.
- Take a complete multi vitamin - You should always be taking a multi vitamin {at least that’s what my doctor tells me}, so make sure that this time of the year is no exception. I put might next to my birth control pills… It works! I remember! I also have set the daily reminder on my iPhone to remind me to take both.
- Everything in moderation – Write down everything that you eat and drink or make note of it in your phone. If you write it down, you own it. And if you own it, you will be less likely to put that bad food item into your mouth. Right? At the very least, if you start keeping a daily list, you will be so much more conscious of your choices. You may be surprised. I know I was when I first started paying closer attention a couple of years ago.
- Be active – Include the family! Go for a walk or play a football game in the backyard. Remember that the holidays are a time for you to have fun and enjoy your family and friends. You could also fire up the Wii or pile into the car and head out to go ice skating.
- SLEEP! – Make sure that you get plenty of rest. It really is more important to your health than you think. The holidays are stressful enough, so make time to relax and recharge.
- Psssst! You don’t HAVE to say “Yes” to every party. You don’t. And don’t feel bad when you have to RSVP and say you can’t make it. Don’t fly around like a maniac trying to make an appearance at every party. It’s just ridiculous.
- Spread out your meals – You don’t need to eat everything all at once. Eat dinner, go for a walk and then have dessert.
- Wash your hands & Disinfect! - Remember that the holiday season is also flu and cold season. You can never wash your hands too much. However, I find that they get so dry during this time. Keep a good lotion on hand. Check out some of the best body lotions {via ConsumerSearch} that are out there. Disinfect your work station, keyboard and mouse. I keep the Clorox wipes right at my desk {And my office is in my house!} to wipe away germs and keep sickness awayyyy!
