Looking to eat, drink and be merry this holiday season but hoping to stay on track with your healthy eating or weight loss goals? While this time of year certainly presents ample temptation to derail even the best of clean eating intentions, before you go totally off the track with visions of sugar plums dancing through your head, we made a list and checked it twice to give you tips to navigate the calorie snowstorm headed your way!
Think in terms of celebrating on specific dates and occasions.
You don’t need to miss out on some of the special tastes of the season. Limiting the splurges to actual holiday dates or specific celebrations is an effective strategy to avoid a free-for-all between Halloween and New Year’s Day. The important thing to remember is that holidays are days, not months. Even on the days, you choose to splurge, try to incorporate some of your regular health routines like working out, drinking lots of water, rather than having a day-long binge from breakfast to midnight snack. This can go a long way to help maintain a balance between indulgence and deprivation.
Heading out for a holiday party? Pack up the sleigh!
Offer to bring your host or hostess a lighter option that you can enjoy so that you can be assured not everything at the event will be a chocolate-covered belly buster.
Dining out for a festive occasion?
Checking the menu online so you can plan your choices in advance will help avoid getting swept up at the moment.
Sparkle responsibly!
Cocktails are a frequent staple of holiday gatherings, but choosing a glass of prosecco over some spiked eggnog could save you hundreds of calories. Now more than ever, there are lower calorie and lower sugar options like FitVine Wine, Keel Vodka, or White Claw Hard Seltzer. If you are opting for a mixed drink, try adding some flavored seltzer to lighten it up. Mocktails are also a great way to celebrate without the buzz. Try mixing some flavored seltzer with a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice in a pretty glass with some garnish for a festive feel without the added carbs and calories.
Pick and choose.
No one wants to miss out on their favorite holiday fare. Recognize that you’re not depriving yourself of not noshing on every treat that crosses your path, but if Aunt Rita makes your favorite Italian cookies at the annual family Christmas Eve get-together, enjoy them! It is your day-to-day routine that matters, not the occasional splurge.
Burn baby burn!
While you can’t outrun the fork, keeping on track with your workouts during the holiday season will not only help you burn off some of the extra calories, but will give you more energy, boost endorphins and reinforce your workouts as a part of your daily routine.
Ultimately, no matter how you celebrate this holiday season, you are the conductor of your own Polar Express. While trying to keep your train on the tracks, be sure to also enjoy the ride!
About the author: Charlene Bazarian is a fitness and weight loss success story after losing 100 pounds. She mixes her no-nonsense style of fitness advice with humor on her blog at Fbjfit.com and on Facebook at FBJ Fit.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
