December can be a time of indulgence, and it is important you do not feel guilty about any of the food or drink you consume over the holidays. It's ok so you should not stress about it but to feel joy and happiness.
So what are the few things I follow when holidays are 'knocking on the door'?
1. Set up your 'mind-set'
Avoid the ‘all or nothing’ mind set – it is easy to get carried away and think that because you have overindulged for one meal you might as well do it for the rest of the day. Try not to think like this, just because you have had a few treats it does not mean the rest of your food that day or week cannot be a bit healthier. Just follow your 'healthy' gut and you should be ok. December is just as any other month, it is all about mind-game and consistency.
2. Stay in the game with exercise
Do not neglect exercise!! Food and drinks can have a big impact on how we feel mentally. And exercise boosts serotonin, our happy hormone ;), so remember to make time for moving your body in between all of the socialising and eating and drinking you will be doing :) If you can, try and stick to you normal exercise routine, but do not feel guilty if you have to miss your usual workout – going for a walk with your dog count too :). The only tip I can give you here is to wake up and do it as a first thing in the morning - straight after coffee (of course ;)).
3. Mindful eating
Manage your expectations around food and drink at Christmas – at the end of the day, it is all about the time for celebrating, and seeing friends and family, so it is likely you will end up eating and drinking in social situations more than you usually would and this is ok too – you do not need to say no to every indulgence, ok? ;) If you know you have got a few dinners out later in the week, try and think about healthy food and drink choices you could make on the days you will be home. Pretty simple right? Mindset ;) Yes, yes!
4. Go 'low' on alcohol
If you can feel that alcohol is starting to impact your overall mood, try and have some alcohol-free days and switch the wine or beer for soft drinks. I do not usually drink but when i do, I have a glass of wine or one vodka apple juice. You know what is best for you so go according to that. At the end of the day, we are not in our 20's no more ;) Priorities and goals over binge drinking.
The best thing about holidays is - we still have a choice of whether to keep healthy and in our own routine or go crazy about it all right? I choose first, but as I said - you decide!
Happy December all.
Until next time, S.
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