Affectionately known as “The Holidays,” the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years can be a tricky time for those of us looking to maintain the healthy lifestyle we follow.
And, you know what happens once the ball starts rolling down the ‘hill of gluttony,’ it’s easy to keep going down that road in the new year.
Holiday parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings, etc., give us plenty of opportunity to overindulge. Who among us isn’t lulled into a sense of false hope— that maybe just one more cookie, scoop of stuffing or cup of eggnog won’t hurt? Right?
Not so fast, says Shawn White, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Faith Community Health System. “It may not seem so bad to have an extra slice of pie at Thanksgiving, but where does it stop? Will a second helping at the next event slow down your desire to overindulge? Unlikely. It’s far better to celebrate in moderation.”
For those who struggle with controlling themselves when there are tables full of delectable savories and sweets and plenty to imbibe, consider the following strategies:
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day are Days, not Weeks
Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts and toast the new year with a glass of bubbly. But try not to let those celebratory indulgences creep into all the other days before and after each holiday.
If you’re hosting, lighten up your recipes.
Incorporate fresh herbs to add flavor rather than cheese, cream and other rich ingredients. Serve plenty of veggies and other healthy starters as well as side dishes.
If possible, increase waist- and heart-friendly options and reduce dishes loaded with carbs. Do you really need to serve sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, corn and biscuits?
If you’re hosting, send the gluttonous leftovers home with your guests.
This is a great way to send guests home happy while helping you to put a period at the end of a wonderful holiday celebration. No unhealthy leftovers in the fridge will help you get back on track the next day.
In fact, you can think back to the memories you’ve made while, as Dr. White suggests, “Be thankful but not regretful.”
If you’re a guest, offer to bring a healthy appetizer or side so you’ll have at least one dish that you can enjoy guilt-free. For example, roasted sweet potatoes are super healthy. It’s only once you add the heavy cream, brown sugar and marshmallows on top that they become dessert!
Also, for guests: If you’re offered leftovers to take home, either politely decline if there aren’t any healthy options, or accept the turkey and vegetables which make a great day-after meal that’ll get you right back on track.
For All—Guests and Hosts
Make an eating plan for yourself in advance. Think: moderation.
Taste dishes that appeal to you, with the key word being “taste.” Fill up on roasted turkey and veggies, and take small helpings of a couple of sides. Also, refrain from going back for seconds (or thirds).
Remember, there are plenty of other celebrations ahead this season and you can select some different choices at the next event.
Suggest a walk.
During halftime, between appetizers and the main event or after dinner, round up the family and head outside for a walk around the neighborhood. Some fresh air after sitting inside for hours will be a welcome break. Plus, a brisk walk will help with digestion and it can help energize you after a big meal.
Take Care by Making Yourself a Priority
It sometimes feels like the clock runs a little faster during the holidays…. so much to do, so little time. Unfortunately, our own self-care can often take a back seat to shopping and cooking.
Taking a little “me-time” in the midst of all the holiday chaos should not be optional. Find some quiet time to try meditation, enjoy a luxurious soak in the tub with some relaxing essential oils added to the bath water, meet a friend for coffee or lunch, read a good book or spend time with people who make you happy. You don’t have to spend money or overindulge in food and drink to have fun!
Exercise!
It’s easy to justify taking days off from your fitness regimen this time of year. And, if exercise is not on your usual “to do” list, you may want to make a New Year’s resolution a few weeks early.
There are parties to attend, errands to run, gifts to be wrapped, cookies to be baked. There are not enough hours in the day! Something has got to give, and exercise should be the last thing you cut from your busy day.
Exercise is a priority all year long, but especially during the holidays. Burning calories through exercise will help to negate the extra calories you may be eating or drinking, and the post-workout endorphin rush will help you manage the stress of the season.
“The holidays are days to focus on family, friends, and fun. Of course, you’ll be offered plenty of delicious foods. Enjoy,” said Dr. White, “but focus on the first three! Have fun and laugh and make memories that will last a lifetime.”