I love the holidays! There is joy and sparkle in the air and there is nothing better than celebrating with family and friends. But, I want to enjoy this festive time without the guilt. Everyone gives an edible gift- a bottle of champagne, a box of chocolates and lets not forget the homemade cookie platters that are so hard to resist! And if anyone needs a reason to dine there are numerous holiday lunches and dinners that are crammed (oops, I mean planned) into this season.
Here are 5 ways to indulge in the season without feeling guilty:
#1) Never go to a party hungry. Don't save up your calories for a party. If you go to party hungry, I guarantee your judgment will be off and you will eat more food than if you ate some nuts before you left for the party.
#2) Exercise and move more. Just do something -- even if it's just for 30 minutes. Don't underestimate the power of movement. Walk more. Spend less time on the couch. Shop 'til you drop. Do some situps, squats and leg lifts during commercials. Drink water. You are probably eating more foods with salt and consuming more alcohol around the holidays, so it's even more important to keep your body hydrated.
#3) Practice portion control. You don't have to try everything. Take your favorites. If you can, try to make sure more than half of your plate has some veggies on it. It's okay to say, "No, thank you, maybe later."
#4) Edit your day. Deprivation can fuel desire. So instead of dwelling on all the holiday treats you shouldn't have, edit your choices. Eat one cookie instead of three. Plan a healthy lunch so you aren't tempted by treats in your office. Decide what to eat less of, more of or what to cut, but take it day by day so controlling what you eat is more manageable.
#5) Ask for a fitness-related gift for the holidays. There are so many cool fitness gifts available. And where the mind goes, the body follows. This way you can (girls: Rock that black dress and guys: Rock that new suit). Wherever you are on your fitness journey, love and appreciate your body for all that it can do. No body shaming allowed. Enjoy the holidays for what they are -- a time to celebrate the people in your life and all of life's blessings -- and that includes YOU.