5 Tips For Avoiding the Holiday Pounds

As we gather together during these next few holiday weeks to share thanks for the unlimited good that surrounds us, and enjoy each other’s company, there is a tendency to overeat. Yes, while you’re giving thanks for nature, prosperity, love, faith and an incredible planet that provides so much to us, you could be upsetting the balance of it all by overindulging on your plate.

When it comes to gobbling up the goodies at holiday parties and family events, I encourage you to follow these suggestions for feasting:

1. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day

It’s very important that you exercise on, before and during the holidays. If you’re already doing so on a regular basis, great, keep it up. If you’re not, get with it! It’s that important for your overall health.

And don’t just make a resolution to exercise after the New Year, because starting something new always feels daunting. If you start today, the day you read this article, then when the New Year comes you already have your exercise in place and it has become a healthy habit.

You don’t have to do it alone! Ask your family to go for a walk with you to enjoy the fresh air, and time away from the kitchen so you can relax together. The payoff is that by exercising over the holidays, you will eat less and be more conscious of what you’re putting in your mouth.

2. Take 5 minutes a day to de-stress

Don’t let the holidays cause too much stress on you. Attending parties, addressing cards, shopping for the perfect present, it all takes its toll. Do your part and build in some time for relaxation and de-stressing.

Sit in a quiet room in a comfortable position and just breathe deeply. Do it for five minutes every day, both in the morning and at night. You’ll notice how much more relaxed you’ll feel.

And de-stressing during these busy times will help you eat less sweets, boost your immune system and remain calmer. Ahhhhh. Feels good, doesn’t it?

3. Drink at least 10 glasses of water during the day

By drinking at least 10 glasses of water today (starting as soon as you wake up), you will thoroughly and totally hydrate your body. That’s a good thing. Do it.

This is also another way to reduce sugar cravings, because those in the know realize that often times, when your body appears to crave sugar, it’s because you are dehydrated. Who knew? But now you do, so drink up!

4. Portion control your plate

This is so crucial to not overstuffing your belly. Think of it as a secret mission to better health. When your hostess begins passing tempting trays of appetizers, grab a small plate. Don’t see one? Ask for one and use it.

Placing appetizers on a plate assures that you take only the ones you really want and you’ll avoid adding unnecessary calories by trying everything in sight. And make sure the majority of items on that plate are lots of fresh vegetables. Yum!

5. Give the gift of health

Instead of running around from store to store trying to find that perfect gift, why not give your friends and family the gift of health, wither it’s a spa day, massage treatment, healthy home cooked meal or a nutrition counseling session with me. I am happy to meet them and together we’ll design a plan to increase their health and well being for 2009 and beyond.

Incorporating these healthy tips for the holiday season will free you of all the guilt that we normally put on ourselves when we eat too much. Make this the year that you truly enjoy the holiday season and remain healthy and happy. Your body and your mind will appreciate it!

All the best to you and yours this holiday season. I am grateful that you read this piece and I would love to hear how well you did in managing your holiday meals. You can e-mail me at randi@happyhealing.net.

My best for a happy and healthy New Year!