‘Tis the season.

Parties, huge meals, home baked goodies, sugar plums, candy canes and eggnog are just a few of the temptations we face at this time of year.

So many people toss up their hands and let slide all the progress they made toward their health goals in the previous months, figuring that the temptation of the season, the sense of guilt and obligation to enjoy friendly food gifts or thoughtful meals or even just the frantic busyness is no match for their will power.  Are the holidays really that hopeless?

I believe it is possible, with the following healthy holiday tips, to get through the season so that come January you still feel good about your progress, you still feel like you’ve honoured yourself and your health program, and you’re not rushing off to buy a gym membership in an attempt to shed that extra December padding.  All it takes is some planning and mindful dedication.

1. Schedule time for yourself.  If you don’t you won’t get any.  Use this time to move your body in your favorite way - get your sweat on, not your sweet on.
2. Stay hydrated.  Drink water throughout the day.  Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces per day (eg: if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces in a day).
3. Don’t underestimate the possibility of the re-gift.  If you are given a box or a basket of goodies pass it off to a different recipient.  Bring it as a hostess gift or have it out on the food table if you are hosting your own party, donate it to charity - anything!  If you don’t feel like it would be a good choice for you, don’t choose it.  Compare when you put your hand on a hot stove, you automatically pull it away from the heat to prevent injury.  If it hurts, don’t do it.
4. Snack nutritiously.  Mandarin oranges and pomegranates are in season at this time of year and full of anti-aging nutrients and fiber.  Always have quick access to veggie sticks or a small handful (10-12)  of almonds or walnuts.  You’ll have less room for treats and you will be less prone to seasonal infections.  Definitely have a snack before you leave for those holiday parties.

Let’s talk about some healthy holiday tips that will specifically address surviving those seasonal socials events.

• Eat a healthy snack or meal before you leave.  Check.  We covered this.  Don’t starve yourself leading up to the event because you will have the tendency to over eat and your make your body panic and start storing everything you put in your mouth.
• Talk a lot and listen more.  Your lips will be so busy conversing that you won’t be crunching.  Have these conversations away from the food display so that you’re not tempted to chew during the chat.
• Choose the healthy options at the party: the veggie sticks, salsa, hummus, small amounts of cheese or nuts and of course fruit.  Before you dig in, ask yourself if you’re actually hungry or are feeling something else, like boredom, social awkwardness, nervousness or guilt.  Choose a small plate and put food on it instead of grazing - that way you know how much you’ve eaten.  Discard the plate and/or napkin when you’re finished so you don’t refill it.
• Keep “The Deal.”  For every drink you have, refresh yourself with 2 glasses of water and for every sweet you eat, nourish yourself with 2 vegetables.  That’s “The Deal.”  Keep it.  Shake on it with a friend and hold each other accountable instead of holding each other’s rum and eggnog while you’re grabbing another butter tart.
• If it’s a potluck celebration, bring a healthy, guilt-free dish.  Lead by example; your friends and family will thank you for your healthy holiday tips.
• Be wary of drinking your calories.  Also, the more alcohol you drink the more likely you are to make less than ideal food choices.
• Lastly, chew gum or keep a mint or two in your pocket to remind yourself your tongue has retired for the evening.

So you’ve blown it.  You gorged.  You don’t feel well physically or emotionally.  What now?  These healthy holiday tips might be the most important:

1. Forgive yourself.  You’re only human.
2. You may have fallen off the wagon and on to the dessert cart, but it is never too late to jelly roll yourself off and start over.  One lapse does not have to seal your fate.  Your progress is not destined to spiral into an over eating abyss.  One bad day, one bad hour, one bad food choice is not the end of the world.  Consciously decide to stick to your plan.
3. Don’t starve yourself the next day to compensate for your over indulgence.  Choose fresh, nutritious foods and good, clean water.
4. Sometimes it helps to strive not for weight loss over the holidays but weight maintenance.  At least then you’re unlikely to see a higher number on your scale.
5. A little self reflection might prove worthwhile as well.  Ask yourself why you over-indulged.  Did you feel pressured?  Did you feel guilty?  Did you want to please someone? Keep in mind, that your health belongs to you and no one else.  You are in charge, you make the calls and no one but you decides you how you treat yourself.  Your greatest gift to yourself is practicing good health promoting behaviors, some of which I discussed in these articles: Natural Cures for Constipation and Stress Reduction Techniques.

I hope you find these healthy holiday tips practical and valuable.  I wish you and yours a safe and healthy holiday season.

Naturopathic medicine is a safe, effective and natural approach to you and your family’s health.  Naturopathic doctors can and will empower you to live a healthy lifestyle while treating and preventing disease.  Find more information on the services I offer at Arbour Wellness Centre at Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor.

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