11/5/14

And So It Beings

The holiday season is quickly approaching.  You know that time between Halloween and New Years Day.  Many days filled with ample opportunity to mess up your healthy eating plan.  Halloween candy, homemade sweets, turkey dinner, alcohol (hey you gotta put up with the family somehow), baked goods, etc.  Even if you can keep your home environment clean of temptations usually the yummy stuff starts showing up in break rooms at workplaces around the world. 



Nobody says you CAN’T indulge in something sweet or home baked.  The main thing is that you evaluate “Is It Worth It” and that you balance it with the rest of your day/week/month.

We learned in our WW meeting this week that while it has been said the average American gains five pounds over the holidays that it is actually a myth.  The average American gains one pound over the holidays (if you haven’t been to your WW meeting this week now you know the answer to the question).
 
 

One pound?  That is pretty impressive!  Perhaps Americans everywhere decided they didn’t want to be a part of the five-pound-gain-club and started eating less and exercising more over the holidays.  Soon enough that old statistic was turned upside down.  Way to go America!

While the holiDAYs are just one day a piece, it is hard to refrain from all the other goodies.  It is best to put a plan in place now and stick to it.  Where do you want to be come 2015.  Do you want to maintain your current weight?  Lose weight?  Or is it okay if you do gain a little bit as long as you know it was eating foods you really enjoy?

Don't forget all the non-food related moments that go with the holidays too.  Spending time with family and visiting with loved ones near and far.  I know at my Mom’s house it is easy to visit around the appetizers.  However, if I am saving my PPVs for the main meal then I’ll visit in another room.  I’ll chew gum or sip slowly on a glass of wine while I catch up with family.  While I do love the food, family is what makes the holidays fun.

Taking a walk before or after the main meal also gives you extra time with family and friends.  Get active as much as you can and beat holiday stress!  If you can’t get outside because it is too cold then head to the mall: ample people watching.

Above all remember the holidays should be enjoyed so allow yourself some treats.  You can always pick up healthy eating again tomorrow.
 
 

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