Tips to keep a Healthy Mindset in this Holiday Season

Christmas is over but the holiday season is still in full swing as we approach New Years Eve. During this period, it is hard to keep track of your food habits due to the traveling or the scrumptious spread and even harder to find time to work-out as you are inundated with party invites. Below are some tips to help you make the most of the holidays and not come out few pounds heavier.

1. Change the mindset.
The mindset of ‘All or Nothing’ comes about when the expectations don’t quite meet the reality. If you had decided to only have that one drink before going to the party and when you get to the party you are forced a second one. At this point stop at the second one and try to not end up having ten! This will be less damaging even though it doesn’t meet your expectation you had at the beginning of the night. Set a cue or safe word whenever you are put in a situation like this, which will allow you to take a step back and take charge.

Same thing goes for your workouts. If you only have 30min try to get in some sort of physical activity in that time. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to squeeze in high quality and effective workouts in a short time.

2. Plan ahead:
If you know you are going to go out in the evening and indulge in unhealthy food and drinks, make sure you eat the right stuff during the day to balance it out. Salads and fruits are great way to curb hunger and have fewer calories compared to whole foods. It is also important to keep yourself hydrate especially if you are going to down some brewskies in the evening.

3. Smart eating
Have a glance through the food options and decide which items you really want to eat before you start piling your plate with everything. Try and be clever with your food choices. So if there is a low fat or low sodium version of a dish available, choose that over the full fat version. Do not starve yourself before going to a party as you will end up overeating. Also eat slowly, you will be able to digest your food better and feel a lot more satiated.

4. Get back strong
Do not be disheartened if you over-indulged during the holidays, make sure you reset and get back on the wagon soon. Pace yourself appropriately as you do not want a burnout to occur just a few days back in.

The holidays should be about spending some quality time with friends and family. Obviously food is a major part of parties and gatherings but with these simple changes you will be able to stay on track with your nutrition and exercise goals and have a good time as well.