HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

Tips and tricks to wake up on January 1st without a single regret.

In a blip, it seems that Fall has waved us a fond farewell and the darker cooler days have ushered in the holidays! It is no secret that it is my favorite time of year because I’m guaranteed something other months of the year can’t promise me… time. More time with my family, more time to reflect on the past year, and more time to reconsider what my priorities are going into the new year. But it isn’t all candy canes and eggnog… with this season comes a lot of temptations that could take a major toll on my fitness and health. I love a good old fashion, my mom’s molasses cookies, and snuggling with my husband and Italian Greyhounds next to the fireplace for hours on end. Yet, there is nothing I hate more than waking up on January 1st feeling regret or like I am starting from square one, so I have to be very deliberate in my choices between now and December 31st.

Here are a few things I will do to stay balanced this holiday season, and I hope one or two of them will help you too! Together, let’s put an end to the “New Year, New You” campaigns!

EAT ONLY YOUR MOST FAVORITE TREATS

In a prior life, I would eat foods at holiday gatherings simply because they were available to me, not necessarily because I enjoyed them. It was as though there was a little devil on my shoulder pointing to the peanut brittle and saying, “Live a little, it’s Christmas!” Without hesitation, I would eat it because it was there. I’ve since learned the key to holiday eating is to only eat what I truly enjoy. I like turkey, mashed potatoes and dressing. I will put a serving of each on my plate but will absolutely not put green bean casserole or sweet potatoes with marshmallows next to them. (Not judging — you do you!) I will definitely be helping myself to my mom’s clam chowder on Christmas, but I will be passing up the ham. I don’t like it, no I don’t! The point is, you should enjoy your most favorite treats, not ALL of the treats this holiday season.

USE YOUR HAND TO CONTROL SERVING SIZES

Take a good hard look at your hand. Go on… look. This is the best tool you can use to keep serving sizes in check. The size and width of your palm equals a serving of protein (turkey, fish, tofu). Cup your hand and what you can fit in it is your serving of carbohydrates (potatoes, dressing, bread). Now put your hand in a fist and you have a serving of fruits and vegetables (beans, grapes, an apple). Finally, give yourself a thumbs up. The size of that thumb of yours is a serving of fats (cheese, nut butters, oils). The best thing about this tool of yours is that you’ll never leave home without it!

MOVE FIRST, THEN CELEBRATE

I call this my “Brush Your Teeth Rule.” I would never head out for cocktails with friends, or to a dinner party, or anywhere else for that matter, without brushing my teeth first. I apply this same standard to my exercise. My rule — and it is a hard and fast one, especially during the holidays — is to never dive into celebration mode unless I have intentionally moved my body for at least 30 minutes that day whether it is running, walking, pilates, strength training, or spinning. I know the exercise will help mitigate some of the aforementioned holiday treats and is the ultimate form of self-care. When I am really struggling with motivation, I force myself to do at least 10 minutes and then see if I can stick it out for another 20. I’ve never quit at 10!

WATER BEFORE COCKTAILS

I’m sure you have heard of alternating a glass of water for every cocktail you have. This is a twist on that great advice! I have a full glass of water prior to taking my first sip of alcohol to make sure that I don’t put down a drink too fast just because I may be thirsty. It’s amazing how much more control I have over the speed in which I finish a drink if I am well-hydrated.

HE KNOWS WHEN YOUR AWAKE - SO GET SOME ZZZS

A radically scary study was published by the Journal of Medicine in 2010 which stated a single night of partial sleep deprivation can cause a person to become as insulin resistant as a Type 2 Diabetic. Among the many warning signs of insulin resistance are extreme thirst and hunger, being hungry even after a full meal, feeling lethargic, body aches, and frequent illness. I know that a poor night of sleep will cause me to crave carbohydrates and take a huge toll on my motivation, so getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep is my goal. You may need more or less, so pay attention to how you feel and modify accordingly.

This really is a wonderful time of year! A time to give thanks, pull our loved ones a little closer and enjoy the magic of the season. I hope you enjoy the holidays in a way that allows you to strike a healthy balance. And I sincerely hope you wake up on New Year's Day feeling optimistic, energetic, and renewed! Finally, if you need someone in your corner to help hold you accountable to your health and fitness goals, be sure to check out our team of certified trainers and nutrition coaches at RunFit! Happy Holidays!