HOLIDAY HEALTHY TIPS

With family gatherings, office parties, and the holiday’s right around the corner, there is really no way of avoiding bad eating decisions.

Along with these festivities come hearty meals, delicious desserts, and perhaps a few alcoholic beverages. Although we cannot avoid encountering sugary desserts, we can still minimize our intake and start new goals that do not have to wait until the New Year begins. Here are some tips to stay strong and motivated during the holidays!

Make It Conscious

Bad habits – Yes, we all have them. However, did you know that it only takes 21 days to break an old habit? Whether it is as simple as putting laundry on the back burner or forgetting to fit in your daily workout, you are able to break those poor routines you may have established throughout the year. If you are struggling with sticking to your healthy eating habits, start by writing down everything you eat for two weeks. Starting a food diary helps you be aware of where you may be struggling the most. This doesn’t have to be a fancy journal that you go out and buy. If you’re like me, then your iPhone is something that you never leave the house without. If it’s with you, then you will remember to open up that notes app and jot down what you are eating. There are also easy to use applications, such as My Fitness Pal, to help record your food. After writing everything down for two weeks, you will be able to tell where you need the most help. For example, if you notice a routine of always skipping breakfast then you will be able to accommodate your schedule to ensure that you are eating every morning. Don’t forget: if you’re aware you’ll care. Don’t get discouraged and make sure you take it day by day!

Don’t Wait

As we get ready for the clock to strike midnight, it seems to be more and more efficient for us to wait until the calendar marks January 1^st to start our healthy habits. Procrastination always seems to take over our lives but just because you know your office holiday party is this weekend doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start eating smarter today. Starting your healthy eating habits today will help you make it easier to pick up where you left off after a family gathering or office party. It’s easy to forget about getting our daily workout in but realistically, it’s extremely important for your mind, body, and heart to get that love from you. Start by setting aside 30 minutes each day so that you can get a quick workout in. Whether this is a light run with your dog, or a quick trip to the gym, you can make it happen. However, there are those days where you tell yourself that you are going to get a work out in but then you forget. You can set reminders on your phone to help you remember to get that nutrition in for the day, as well as a great work out!

Be Realistic

No, of course no one expects you to cut desserts and unhealthy foods right away. Don’t go into a new routine expecting to have an Arnold Schwarzenegger or Beyonc body overnight. Take things day by day and keep motivated. And hey, if you have an extra slice of pie these holidays, don’t hate yourself, remember that every day is a new day. Happy holidays and may you wake up a little wiser and stronger each and every day.

Namaste.

Lili Rivera