Extra calories and added stress are coming to town. There are presents to buy, parties to plan, cookies to bake, families to see, (and peacefully co-exist with) and children to delight. Most people look forward to holiday festivities and the merriment by which it is accompanied. It is fun and easy to get caught up in the holiday themed foods, drinks and hustle bustle.
The added stress and pressure of the recession will make the holidays more stressful for many families. Emotional eating, drinking and spending can sometimes get out of control when stress levels become unbearable. Caution is often thrown to the wind and then lands in a heap to be dealt with in the New Year. Healthy strategies to get through the holidays saner and slimmer than last year depends on having a plan.
Create a Holiday Management Plan
1. Shop smart: Make a list of gift ideas that may be low in cost but are big on thoughtfulness.Framed photos of the kids, handmade cards, cookies accompanied by a recipe and cookie cutter, small bottles of lotion with knit gloves,or a travel coffee cup with coffee are just a few ideas which can be purchased inexpensively at stores like Target, TJ Maxx, or Home Goods. Most people appreciate a small gift that is practical and usable, and it really is the thought that counts.
2. Eat well: Fill up on fiber rich foods throughout the day, and especially before attending parties.Fiber increases fullness and makes treats less tempting. Portion sizes can usually be reduced while still feeling satisfied.When facing large buffet tables, sample only a few choices.We are apt to eat less when facing fewer options.
3. Exercise: Stick to your usual routine, or start a new one. Exercise will help to burn off extra calories, and provides a healthy outlet for stress. Working out gives a feeling of accomplishment which uplifts the mood. Exercise also helps to increase energy levels, and who doesn’t need more energy during the holiday? Exercise also helps to stimulate the lymphatic system which helps to encourage the release of toxins.
4. Drink up: Stay hydrated with plenty of water, sparkling water, and green or herbal tea. Dehydration is easily mistaken for hunger, and drinking water can prevent overeating.Dilute alcoholic drinks with water or sparkling water to reduce calories and headaches.
5. Create a stress management plan: Make a menu of healthy ways to unwind, such as yoga, hot baths, walking the dog, getting a pedicure or massage, listening to music or watching movies with the kids. Allow time for one of these activities every day.
6. Savvy cooking: Reduction of saturated fat and calories will pay off when January arrives.Search the internet or health coach blogs for health conscious recipes.Or revamp your own family favorite recipes by replacing refined flour with whole grain fiber-rich choices, and by reducing refined sugar with natural sweeteners like brown rice syrup, barley malt, agave nectar and honey.
7. Gift well: With all the extra treats, drinks and goodies of the holiday season, why not give a gift that can be enjoyed guilt free? It feels good to give healthy gifts and they are sure to be appreciated.Healthy gift ideas include gift cards for massages, music, books, yoga, pilates, personal training, or health counseling sessions.
8. Ask for help: Sometimes just a little help can be a big relief.Hire a teenager to spend a few hours wrapping gifts, decorating, or addressing cards.Invite a friend to come over and share the baking or cookie packaging tasks.Allow others to bring a dish and let yourself off the hook for handing all the party details.By giving everyone the chance to participate and share their favorite recipes, more time can be spent enjoying the people we love.
9. Connect with others: Meet a friend for lunch or a movie, or volunteer to help a charitable organization for an hour or two. Laughing and catching up with friends and helping someone in need may offer some needed perspective during the holiday season.
10. Set limits: Don’t overspend financially or emotionally. Have reasonable expectations of others and for yourself.
Include Yourself on Your Gift List
Although the holiday season is all about giving, it’s imperative to also give back to ourselves. Give some thought as to what is most meaningful about the holidays, and allow yourself to do what you enjoy the most rather than what is expected. Make a conscious effort to simplify at least two traditions. Making a few adjustments will improve the health and happiness of everyone, and keeping stress levels in check is a gift that is sure to be appreciated by all.
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