Staying Healthy Through the Holidays

Thanksgiving, the holiday of food lovers. A day were stuffing your face is socially acceptable. The meal that comes once a year where a ridiculous amount of dishes are placed in front of your face, all there for your feasting.

I get it.

Your grandma's famous cornbread stuffing. Mom's pumpkin pie (with lots of cool whip.) Mashed potatoes doused in Aunt Karen's perfect homemade gravy.

How can you say no?

Well...if you want to be a hardcore chick, with relentless energy towards reaching your health and fitness goals, skip on the dinner! Bring a Tupperware container with some plain sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli. Enjoy your food for what it is and take pleasure in getting to spend time with the family, not eating the food.

What if want to reach my fitness goals and still eat Thanksgiving food? Don't worry! It is totally possible! All it takes is a little self-control, will power, and a positive mindset.

Here are some tips to get your through Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season.

1. Moderation

Guys. The BIG key to getting your health right and getting your feast on is moderation. Make a conscious effort to watch how much you are putting on your plate and putting in your mouth. A small portion of stuffing is one thing. Going back three times for a serving, that covers half your plate is another.

Whenever you are at a dinner or event, just be aware of how much you are eating. When it comes to social events we might not even realize how much we are mindlessly eating. Other times we know exactly what we are doing but can't seem to stop.

A tip to alleviate this? The first bite tastes the same as the last. Instead of filling up your plate with a ton of laden foods, go for more veggies. Fill your plate with some salad, green beans, and any other yummy vegetable dish offered. Grab some good turkey or other proteins offered. Then mix in those denser dishes. As for dessert, enjoy something sweet and remember one meal won't make you fat, just like one meal won't make you Miss Health.

2. Eat before events

Don't go to these food-based events with an appetite the size of Texas. Before Thanksgiving or any other holiday parties this season, have a nibble so you aren't ravenous walking into Turkey Dinner and accidentally eat everything and your cousins. Wait what?

3. Stay present

Sometimes we sit down with food in front of us and turn into primal creatures stuffing our face with everything we see, forgetting we don't live in 200 BC and have Kroger 5 minutes down the road.

At big, social dinners. Stay present and make an effort to be aware of all the treats you put in your mouth. Staying present can help keep your will power strong. You aren't loosing your s**t and going for it all. No no, we are enjoying some good food and good company.

4. Listen to your body

Is that extra slice of pecan pie what your body wants? Maybe, maybe not! If you are feeling full. Stop!! It is as easy as that. Once your tummy tells you, "I'm full!" it is past full if you are still eating. Take time between bites and dishes to determine if your body actually wants it.

5. Keep active

Post-meal walks are the bomb! In many cultures around the world it is a custom to walk after meals or in the evening. A simple walk aids in digestion and burns a few calories. On top of a post-meal walk, continue in a fitness program! Participate in that holiday themed 5k. Get in the gym on training days. Take hikes on local trails and mountains. Make it to the yoga class...you get the picture...move girl!!!!

I hope this helps you some in your holiday endeavors as you stay consistent and strong to fitness and health goals for yourself. Have an awesome holiday season and cheers to 2019.

Love,

Amelia