The end of year holidays can present a special challenge for anyone who is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Celebrating most often involves gatherings that are centered on indulgent food, making it easy to fall back into bad habits when there are so many temptations to give into. Here are some tips on how to avoid giving into all of the holiday decadence:
Don't skip meals. It can be easy to run out of the house without eating when you're trying to balance a busy work schedule with holiday shopping and other activities. When you get hungry, you're more likely to eat whatever is convenient, especially after smelling the hot Cinnabon at the mall food court. Always try to bring a light, healthy snack like a piece of fruit with you so that your hunger doesn't lead you to make unhealthier food choices.
Try to avoid from treats at work. At this time of year, it seems like everyone wants to bring their delicious baked goods into the office. Again, keeping healthy snacks close at hand and staving off hunger can help alleviate the temptation to eat all the things, but it's also OK to indulge in moderation, especially if you are living a more active lifestyle and exercising consistently.
Beware of drinking too much alcohol. It can be common to include lots of wine and cocktails at holiday gatherings and those drinks are usually packed with sugar. Alcohol can also make you want to eat more as well, and might also inhibit your ability to make healthy eating choices. It can also affect your sleep patterns and can cause insomnia.
Eat before attending holiday parties, so that you are not as hungry and less likely to over-indulge. Pick things high in protein and fiber, as well as healthy fats like avocado so that you will feel full and less likely to take that second helping. Take your time to eat and chew very slowly.
Don't throw in the towel if you give into your temptations. It can be easy to tell yourself that it would be easier to restart your diet after the holidays, but when that time comes, you will be disappointed at all of the progress that you have lost. It's easier to stay on track once you've overcome those few initial hurdles of moderating enticing holiday treats.
Above all have fun, and don't let this busy time become too overwhelming. Get lots of sleep and take it one day at a time. It's possible to enjoy the holidays and stay healthy too.
