Liz Traines is a health and lifestyle coach who empowers women entrepreneurs to reclaim control of their time, weight and energy. Follow her on social media: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
The holiday season has arrived! Will your next few weeks be full of celebrations? Whether you have a booked schedule of holiday parties or are tempted to stay inside, watch movies & indulge in sweet treats, we want to make sure you have some helpful tips to follow in order to have fun, but limit the holiday weight gain, sustain good energy and manage stress during the holidays:
1. Eat a healthy snack before you go to a party
Sliced chicken or turkey & 1/2 avocado, carrot sticks & black bean or hummus dip, bowl of soup, energy bites or a handful of nuts are all great options. Filling up on protein & healthy fat keeps you from arriving at the party famished, setting you up to make smarter decisions and have better self-control.
2. Drink large glasses of water in between cocktails
Drinking water not only prevents dehydration & overeating, but also enables you to be more mindful about your food & drink decisions.
3. The 1-plate rule
Eat one plate of everything your heart desires & then stick to veggies & dips for the rest of the night. Despite how limiting this may initially feel, it will get easier every time & your energy levels (& jeans) will thank you.
4. Bring a veggie based appetizer as your contribution to the party
This way you’re guaranteed to have a healthy option at the party! Sweet potato avocado toast, cucumber bites, & a hummus stuffed pepper with veggies are super cute, simple, delicious options to bring with you. Check out our video below for a super easy tutorial of the recipes!
5. Continue going to the gym
I know it’s cold & you just want to cuddle up in blankets, but getting to the gym is a vehicle for sustaining your energy & keeping your metabolism MOVING. Already lost motivation? Get a buddy to go with you for accountability!
6. Eat as many nutrient rich foods as you can when you’re not at a holiday event
Your body craves what you give it most. If you can stick to an 80/20 rule (80% healthy vegetables, fats, & proteins, 20% “splurge food),” it makes it a lot easier to continue eating healthfully. Think colorful foods – all the colors of the rainbow.
7. Live in the moment and practice gratitude
Holidays can be full of family, friends, pets, laughter, good food, drinks, gifts & time off (YAY!)… These things are not givens – they are privileges. In order to live in the moment & truly enjoy, we need to practice gratitude & give thanks for all of the positive things in our lives.
8. Do something for you (and ONLY YOU)
When’s the last time you did something just for you? A massage, spa manicure (not the super quick, in & out of the shop kind), took a yoga class, meditated, journaled or done something to honor yourself & your body. Take at least 15 minutes twice per week of the holiday season to do something just for you. It will impact your energy & attitude in so many ways. And those around you will notice too!
