Celebrate the Season without Compromising Your Health Goals
“One should eat to live, not live to eat.”
– Moliere
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR HEALTH GOALS
from Guest Contributor Geri Mulvihill
PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE SEASON
For those of us who have health goals, the upcoming holiday season may create anxiety and stress about how we plan to navigate all the gatherings, events and holiday foods that seem to dominate these last few months of the year. The main thing is to remember that the most important factor at all gatherings is creating special memories with the people around us. Remember that this time of year is about our relationships, not the food and drinks.
IT ALL STARTS WITH YOUR MINDSET - If you need a refresher for your Holiday mindset - check out last week's blogpost Get RID of this HOLIDAY Season Mindset that will TANK your health goals
SET YOUR INTENTIONS:
Before the holidays begin, take some time to set intentional goals. be realistic and consider your top priorities for your health during the season. Think about whether or not you’d like to continue maintaining your current weight, stay active, or perhaps keep stress levels in check. Write your goals down and post them in prominent places where you will see them often. Make reading them a part of your daily routine numerous times a day. Be sure to focus on your progress rather than perfection.
Now for some specific tips......
Ready to dive in? Let's go! 👊
A reminder of the very basics of a Healthy Mindset:
Do you PROCLAIM and identify as the person you want to become?
“I am a healthy person”
That is the first step, what does the HEALTHY you do?
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Once your mindset is in a good, healthy place, let's get practical
Eat Mindfully ..
Perhaps eat a healthy snack or small meal before you leave for the gathering. While at the gathering, look over the food choices and fill your plate with healthy foods, leaving room for a sampling of those rare treats that are special and not available throughout the year. I like to tell my clients to use what I call the three bite rule. Take just enough to have three bites.
The first bite is simply to enjoy, savor it!
With the second bite, take in the textures and flavors.
Now with the third bite, imagine your fork to look like a stop sign. Tell yourself this is the last bite.
Studies have shown that when we are eating for delight, the satisfaction is satisfied by the end of the third bite. Beyond that we’re eating just to be eating.
Plan for Movement..
While at a gathering, move away from the buffet table and walk around visiting the guests. Take time throughout the holiday season for activity. Plan some family hikes, play games that require activity, walk neighborhoods at night enjoying the Christmas lights, go caroling. Daily walks or a quick home workout will help you stay focused on your health.
Healthy sleep and stress management..
Healthy sleep and stress management are key to staying on track with your health goals. Turn off the electronics an hour before going to bed. Take a bubble bath, listen to soft music, read a good book. Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Whenever you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, stop and take in a few deep cleansing breaths. Call to mind the people and things you are grateful for and mindfully relax tension in your body.
Connect with an accountability partner..
Take time to connect with your health coach, friends, or family members who support your goals. A little accountability can help you stay consistent and feel encouraged. Most of all, enjoy the season while gifting yourself with commitment to reaching your health goals.
Will you enter the New Year 56 Days BEHIND or still rocking your health routines and habits?
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Again, if you need to focus on mindset, jump back into last week's post Get RID of this HOLIDAY Season Mindset that will TANK your health goals
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Tune in next week for a happy healthy hack to keep stress under control and a smile on your face!
The countdown is ON! Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years - let's plan to not only continue on your path to your ultimate health but also to ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS without deprivation OR over indulging!
If you’d like tips on Healthy Food Swaps, check out my Free Guide Ultimate Healthy Swapout Guide
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Remember it's all about your mindset and success strategies, you are not depriving yourself (of unhealthy things), you are creating the future healthy you!
Message me at My Messenger with a situation you'd like to conquer
You can check out my FREE ULTIMATE HEALTHY SWAPOUT GUIDE to get the full scoop.
It's good to surround yourself with others who have the same goals. Do you have someone who would like to do this too? Making a change with a buddy or "running partner" makes it so much easier!
You may want to be part of my FREE online health community of others desiring to up their health game. You'll find recipes, tips and inspiration JOIN MY FREE HEALTH COMMUNITY HERE
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