I have always loved the holidays! There has always been joy and sparkle in the air and there is nothing better than celebrating with family and friends. But, this year, the holidays have a different feel. Yes, COVID has changed us. So, rather than dwell on all the way this year’s holidays are not the way they once were, let’s think forward. Everyday I try to find something that I am grateful for. During these challenging times, the art of practicing gratitude has the power to diminish one’s sress and boost one’s positivity.
So, how can you enjoy the holidays and still be together? With friends and family “pods”, and groups on Zoom, we are still keeping in touch and keeping connected. The abundance of foods and drinks are in overdrive in many homes (while the bounty paper towel, lysol spray and purell hand sanitizer are still hard to come by). When it comes to food and drinks, I have not met one person who does not struggle with food guilt during these times. So, here are five ways to indulge in the season without too much guilt.
1. Never Go to a Zoom Party Hungry
Don’t save up your calories for a party. If you go to a party hungry, I guarantee your judgment will be off. You will eat more food than you want to. So, have a snack before the festivities, maybe a slice of turkey and some carrots and hummus, or an apple with a small handful of unsalted mixed nuts.
2. Exercise and Move More
Just do something, any type of exercise will do, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. Don’t underestimate the power of movement. Even mild exercise will keep you healthier. Walk more. Spend less time sitting on the couch. Do some sit-ups, squats and leg lifts or other bodyweight exercises while watching your favorite Netflix. 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
Remember to practice portion control! You don’t have to try everything. Take your favorites. If you can, follow the USDA MyPlate guidelines, and 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. Instead of dwelling on all the holiday treats you shouldn’t have, edit your choices. Eat one cookie instead of three. Plan healthy meals. 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. Wherever you are on your fitness journey, love and appreciate your body for all that it can do. 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.