Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner? In case you forgot, no, we’re not kidding—the beloved holiday filled with ham, turkey legs, and jam-filled cookies is upon us! And with those tasty treats comes the dreaded aftermath of celebrating: inevitable weight gain.
We always tell ourselves that we’ll have a little more self-control this season. We won’t have two servings of mashed potatoes. We’ll only have one little brownie. Trust us, we’ve been there, and we’ve also experienced the disappointment of falling off the wagon despite our internal promises. Well, no longer! This holiday season, you can still enjoy your favorite dishes without reneging on progress.
Stress Management Over Weight Management
The holidays always bring one thing to the dinner table: more stress. Believe it or not, chronic stress plays a big role in how much we consume, and with so many things to worry about this time of year, we’re bound to reach for the potato chips…or the cookies, or the fast food. Basically, the more emotional distress we deal with, the worse our decisions come mealtime.
Dieters also aren’t strangers to obsessing over the scale. That worry causes enough problems on its own, but coupled with the stress of Christmas, it’s a gruesome twosome that wreaks havoc on our mental and physical health. You might lose sleep. You might lose patience. Either way, it won’t take long for your anxieties to build, leaving you with even less to feel jolly about.
Rather than panic about your waistline, focus on a little self-care this season. That doesn’t mean bubble baths and a glass of wine, either; it means healthy choices like getting to bed early, sticking more veggies on your plate, and scheduling some time to unwind from the chaos. When your mind feels better, your body feels better, and you won’t feel like a candy bar after every family outing.
Forget About Ebenezer Booze
We’re not saying you have to ditch alcohol altogether, but you should pay attention to your consumption. Every Christmas gathering, every office party, will have an abundance of booze, and it’s the ultimate temptation. Don’t drink your calories; stick to a glass or two so you stay on track and off your boss’s naughty list.
Drinking too much also contributes to less sleep and lower energy throughout the day. Remember what we said about putting your body through the wringer! The last thing you want is to exacerbate your stress or make yourself sick, so keep within your limits.
That’s not to say you should forget hydration! If you’re really parched, stick with everyone’s favorite go-to: water. You can’t go wrong with it, and sipping from your Stanley does wonders for your overall health. You’ll not only feel fuller in between meals, but you’ll rock a healthy glow and keep those energy levels where they should be. You can even infuse your glass with tasty add-ons; cucumber, lemon, and even fresh mint sprigs elevate any cup.
Take Control of Your Plate
Consider Christmas dinner your final exam—it’s the biggest test of self-restraint all year! With so many people flying in from around the country, you have dozens of side dishes and desserts just begging to be eaten. To make matters worse, some hosts get offended if you don’t dabble in every dish, leaving you to stuff your face with all kinds of goodies that won’t feel any good later.
It’s time to take back the reins. Based on your personal dietary needs, stick with what’s best for you. Fill your plate with an extra helping of veggies to curb your hunger. Bring your own side dish to dinner, so you know healthy ingredients were used in its creation. Now’s the perfect time to practice mindful eating, as well. Savor each bite, stock up on protein, and don’t skip any meals before the big feast!
Something else to remember is moderation. No one said you had to cut chocolate out of your diet (unless, of course, your doctor did say that). Cutting things cold turkey doesn’t work the way we thought it did back in the day; restrictions like that can actually encourage overeating in the long run. Work with your physician on the best path forward. Once you nail a healthy diet, you can eat what you love without binging.
No one said dieting was easy—and it’s even harder during the holidays. However, stress management and moderation go a long way. Be kind to yourself this season. A cheat day here or there isn’t the end of the world; the most important thing is that you keep your overall health at the forefront. Remember: clean eating is a lifelong commitment, and after the holidays, we’re right back on the horse!
