It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas, but for some, it also includes stress, weight gain and over-indulging. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and let healthy habits fall by the wayside. But do you really want to lose the momentum gained this fall and have to start all over again with a New Years resolution? If the answer is no, try these tips and tricks to keep on track for a healthy, happy and more enjoyable holiday.
Wondering how to avoid gaining weight but still enjoy the holidays? The festive season brings about many opportunities to gather with family and friends but it also includes many mouth watering and tempting treats. Instead of constant grazing at the snack table, fill a small plate to help control portions and remember to include fruits and veggies. Another trick is to rate the first bite of a particular food on a scale of 1-10, where one means that the food tastes terrible, and a rating of 10 would mean that the food is totally worth eating and tastes delicious. Then, try to only eat the foods rated a 10/10. This draws attention to how food actually tastes, rather than mindlessly eating and cleaning our plates even though we may not truly like what we’re eating. Finally, try not to go to a party hungry. This will help to avoid eating too fast and too much. Instead, eat a wholesome breakfast and lunch on the day to avoid overeating at the party.
Wondering how to get everything done in time? When pressed for time, but still needing to prepare foods for gatherings, try being pro-active. Many foods can be prepared weeks ahead of time and then come party night, all that’s needed is to pull it out of the freezer and bake. Think of all the smells with almost no mess. Consider recruiting help when hosting a party and have a potluck. This will help to reduce feeling stressed from having no time or if money budgets simply can’t handle it. The trick is not to call it a potluck, rather, it’s a “Holiday Sampler Party”. Instruct each guest to bring the one food item that has a special holiday memory or just a favorite holiday food. Then at the party, have everyone share the story behind their selection.
Wondering how to have a stress-free holiday? This time of year can have “hectic” written all over it. There are many demands this time of year. Try to prioritize what really needs to be done and learn to politely say “no” to the extras. Another way to keep stress levels to a minimum is by lowering expectations. It is tempting to expect everything from the tree and gifts to the in-laws to be perfect during the holidays. When things don’t go according to plan it’s easy to become disappointed or frustrated. By not expecting perfection it will be easier to accept when mishaps occur. It may also be easier to accept imperfections in others. Remember to focus on what is most important to you about celebrating the holidays.
Finally, set aside some time during the busy holiday season for yourself to do something that you enjoy. Whether it’s baking, crafting or reading a great book. Take some time to relax. The clean house and expensive gifts aren’t what gets remembered. It’s the laughter, love and time spent with family that builds memories. Focus on that and the rest doesn’t matter so much.
Wondering how to fit in exercise on top of everything else this Christmas? If it’s hard to stick to a regular exercise routine, focus on being active all day long. Include a walk where and whenever possible. It may not seem like much at the time but every little bit counts. At work, get up from the desk to respond to an email from a colleague, take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk at lunch or breaks. During errands, park a little further away or do some laps of the store before starting shopping.
Get outside and play. Don’t use the cold as an excuse – use the snow as a reason to get outside. Try making snowmen with the kids or grandkids, go skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, or organize a snow soccer or football game. Dress for the weather. This will make being active outside much more enjoyable. Hats, scarves, and waterproof gloves are must-haves. Dress in layers and take them off when the body begins to warm up from all that fun exercise. When days are less hectic be sure to aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day. This will make getting back into regular exercise after the holidays a bit easier and won’t feel like starting all over again.
For more information about any of the free services offered by the Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team, visit the website at www.mmfht.ca or call the Drayton office at 519-638-2110 or the Clifford office at 519-327-4777. Like them on Facebook (Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team) and follow them on twitter @MintoMapleton for healthy living tips and information on upcoming programs and events in the area.
Sandy Turner is health promoter for the Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team.
