Isn’t it odd that on Thanksgiving we stuff ourselves with food and say Thanks for things that we have. But then the next day we rush out to get the things we don’t have? – Local Media Announcer
It’s inevitable. You will gain at least 5 pounds during the holidays. Between the big dinners, cookies, holiday drinks, endless hours watching football, and seeking out the long overdue holiday slumber, the pounds will sneak up on you and there is nothing you can do about it.
April Fools in November! It is NOT inevitable. Healthful living is a lifestyle, not a diet. Diets can fail – healthful living continues. If you choose the diet route this holiday season, you will likely fail. Diets restrict food intake causing your body to crave that food group (calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, etc). So you end up craving that food
group and thus overeating.
Healthful living encompasses eating to satiety, consuming food that provides energy, maintaining an active body, and calm mind. Healthful living doesn’t start next week or even the week after. It doesn’t have a goal weight or pants size. Healthful living doesn’t use a large cappuccino or 2 aspirin to stay away or rid of a migraine.
It is never too late to start a healthful lifestyle. It is always on sale and shipping is always free. Below are some easy actions you can take today to start living healthfully. You may think that healthful living is expensive: Organic foods, gluten-free foods, supplements, high-tech workout gear, and state-of-the-art athletic/performance clothing, yoga classes, Tai Chi lessons, etc. But, in fact, healthful living is the exact opposite.
Healthful Eating
- Use a smaller dinner plate. Your plate will look fuller with less food.
- Put your fork down between bites.
- After dinner, wait 30 minutes before deciding on dessert.
- Drink a large glass of ice water before dinner.
- Eat a rainbow of differently colored foods.
- Cook with food pulled from the ground or raised on a farm.
- If you want it, try it (in moderation)
- Don’t label foods “good” and “bad”. Instead, know which food provide you with natural energy.
- Eat foods with fiber. Fiber lets you feel full longer.
- Set out fresh fruit on your kitchen counter for a quick grab and go snack.
- Most importantly, enjoy what you eat!
Active Body
- Instead of heading to the couch after dinner, take a brisk walk in the fresh air, with your family and friends!
- In the event of inclement weather, have a back-up plan. Pull out a game of Twister or have a dance contest with your kids.
- Who needs a stair climber machine?! Take 10 minutes and walk up and down the steps in your house.
- Jump rope in the garage.
- While pushing kids on a swing, after every push complete one squat.
- Sign up with a friend for a 5k race (either run or walk). Make sure you tell everyone! When you are accountable to complete something, the more likely you are to succeed.
Calm Mind
- Take 1 minute before hitting the shower to stretch – wake up those muscles and mind.
- Remember, stress is how your body reacts to an event. It isn’t stressful if you don’t make it stressful.
- Take a walk to clear your mind.
- Call a friend and laugh.
- Listen to a favorite upbeat song.
What are some ways that you are staying healthy this holiday season?
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