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Hang on to Holiday Traditions Minus the Extra Pound
By Cindy Posey | November 9, 2008
When I started this article, I planned on finishing the title with “minus the extra 5 to 10 pound gain,” but discovered that I was wrong. The average American doesn’t gain that much during the year, just a pound. From late October (Halloween) through the New Year, the Holiday season is filled with festivities. How do you navigate through the temptations and gatherings? To avoid the guilt, jealousy, and internal negative thoughts of missing out on the heavy eating season of the Holidays, hang on to the traditions and prepare for the festive days ahead.
1. Exercise. Don’t let the colder weather and busier schedule be an excuse to move less. Fill holiday shopping and planning with bursts of movement. At Bookieboo, I posted an article, Body Strength Exercises Every Woman Should Do Daily, to incorporate a burst of activity on top of your regular routines.
2. Preselect the Holiday Cheat Days! Look at your calendar now. Which days are you celebrating the Holidays. Circle Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Kid’s School Party, Your Birthday (for all us Holiday Birthday folks). Give your self permission now to celebrate and enjoy the foods and festivities.
3. Stay true to your Healthy Habits the rest of the Season. Let’s not wait to the New Year to set up resolutions that go unanswered and incomplete. Let’s start now by focusing on healthy eating habits the days surrounding the holidays.
- Drink Water
- Add vegetables and fruits to snack time
- Eat every 3 to 4 hours
- Eat proper portion sizes
- Enjoy what you eat
This is a time for coming together with family, reliving traditions, and creating new ones. Enjoy the stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pie, and Egg Nog. I love Thanksgiving for time spent with family, reflecting over the traditions of years past, and to be grateful for all the blessings we enjoy. Food is the center of our Thanksgiving tradition and every bite is enjoyed. Let not the guilt of calories and heavy dishes fill your mind on this occassion. The day comes and goes so quickly that returning to healthy eating and consistent habits is natural.
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