This blog will probably be one of the shorter ones I’ve written, lol.  Here’s why:

I think too many of us get stressed out about the holidays.  Sure there’s lots to do, even more to prepare and plan, things to bake, parties to attend, finances get stretched and often our health gets placed on the back burner.

Boo hoo, poor us.

Here’s my big secret: DON’T STRESS!

Why are we so wrapped up (haha, pun intended) in the craziness of the holidays that we forget how lucky we actually are? How blessed we truly are?  Focusing on one aspect (food, weight gain, whatever) takes away from the actual enjoyment of the day… especially if it triggers a stress response.  I know it’s easier said than done, but it is something we can control to an extent.  Make smart choices and just relax, enjoy the time we are fortunate enough to have.

Now onto the dreaded “how to avoid weight gain” topic.

Another secret I will reveal…

ENJOY IT!!!!!  It’s one day (or several spread out, depending how you choose to spend it)!  Let go of the stress and guilt you may have related to food and focus on the enjoyment, the people, the company, the fact we have this day.  It’s not “Food-Mas” is it?  There’s more to the holidays than eating.  Adding stress to it about your food choices is only going to take AWAY from the enjoyment of the holiday or food itself, so spare yourself the time and mental battle and appreciate the moments (and bites).

Some simple tips to help you out….

1. Establish some healthy eating habits BEFORE the holidays roll around.  This applies to exercise as well.  Don’t wait until the New Year, what’s the point of that?  Start NOW.
2. Try to be active or do something every single day. A nice walk with the family or your dog or cat outside, doesn’t have to be the gym but get moving.  Yes, even on Christmas Day.
3. Before heading out to an occasion where the food will be a plenty, eat something!  Don’t go hungry. Have a healthy snack of good carbs, protein and fats.  Now get your hiney to the festivities and use your common sense with food.  Do you want to partake in the food being served?  Great!  Enjoy it!
4. Drink lots of water but this should be a given every single day I hope.
5. Watch the booze. A drink or 2 won’t hurt you, but those creamy rum and egg nogs sure can add up!  Choose lighter beverages if offered or try having a drink, then having a water.  Plus, hangovers aren’t fun.

That’s about all I have to say about this topic.  My personal opinion is not to stress about it and just enjoy it for what it is, make smart choices and don’t worry about a few bad meals. You won’t gain 20 pounds.  Enjoy it… every minute of it and count your blessings.

~Jamie.