Tis the season to get fat. It's a (potentially) slippery slope this time of year with ferro rochers and their seductive hazelnut centre lurking around every corner, eggnog latte temptations in special, limited-time-only cups at Starbucks (who could resist that!) And let's not forget copious amounts of alcohol every-freaking-where.
Don't wait till the New Year to resolve to be healthy! Here's a few good tips to keep the over-indulgence monkey off your back this Holiday season.
1. STOP skipping meals. I know your intentions are good but starving all day as an excuse to overeat at a party doesn’t work. I cannot stress this enough, it simply does-not-work.
2. Just say 'no'. It's OK to tell your hosts you don’t want a second helping of everything. Even if your hosts don't say so, they'll see it as a compliment if you eat what you truly like from their holiday yummies and not gorge yourself on the entire spread. Don't be nervous of offending anyone.
3. Avoid the sugar coma. Go ahead and enjoy yourself but decide, before arriving at your holiday do, whether you’ll treat yourself to a bread OR dessert OR alcohol. (Is the bread really unique, the coffee unusual, the extra drink adding to your enjoyment?)
4. Dare to be different! Ask your friends out for a Yoga class followed by gift exchange over fresh smoothies instead of drinks and decadent lunches. Trust me - they'll probably appreciate the break just as much as you if not more so.
5. Exercise for fun not punishment. I can't tell you the amount of times a new client comes to me (especially with New Year's resolutions et al) announcing they are going to start exercising 6-days a week. This unrealistic game plan will most likely set you up for failure, burn-out and eventually abandoning exercise all together. Aim to go the gym / a little jog / power walk / or fitness class a few times over the holidays but not every single day.
6. I think fit therefore I am fit. Go ahead and enjoy your treats this season but before you do - repeat to yourself - with conviction gals - I am fit & healthy (damn it!!!). You may just surprise yourself with your personal empowerment.
