Friday, December 19th, 2008...8:02 am
10 Strategies for a Happy HEALTHY Holiday
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Ten Strategies for a Happy HEALTHY Holiday
Here are some quick and easy strategies for moving
through the “eating season” with ease.
1. Be Very Clear On What You Want To Accomplish
What is your goal for the rest of 2008? Do you want to lose
weight? Do you want to maintain your weight? Create a
clear target so you have something to aim for.
2. Be Aware of What You Are Eating
Tis’ the season for mindless eating but you don’t have to
fall victim. Doing something as simple as keeping a food
journal can keep you accountable and on top of the
holiday abundance.
3. Take 1 Minute Breaks to Breath
Relaxation does not only come in a half hour mediation
sessions. Even a 1 minute break to close your eyes and
focus on your breathing is enough to recharge your battery.
4. Acknowledge What is Going Well This Holiday Season
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle this time
of year and the stress can way heavy on your shoulders but
even in the most stressful moments there are good things
happening. Maybe you got all your wrapping done or made
someone smile when you held the door for them. Remind
yourself of the good and you will see more good.
5. Pay Attention to Your Mental Diet
You may be focused on a good and sound nutritional diet
but how is your mental diet going? Are you filling your head
with junk? Entertain the thoughts that make you feel good
and as for the thoughts that make you feel bad, simply notice
them and let them pass on by.
6. Allow Your Body to Move
With all that is going on this time of year it is easy to neglect
exercise yet even 15 minutes of stretching, walking or yoga
can energize your body and spirit and leave you better able
to handle stress.
7. Make Your Eating Plan Simple
This is not the time to complicate your eating plan. Have a
simple plan that keeps the right foods in front of you. Try this,
divide your plate and fill one half with vegetables and on the
other half put a portion of protein and a portion of carbohydrate.
This keeps your diet simple and sane.
8. Use Positive Curiosity
Do you have an emotional eating trigger? Maybe it is the office
party or THAT relative. Instead of turning to food as a way to cope
ask yourself a positive question. “How can I have fun at the office
party this year?” “What is good about Aunt Alice?” Your brain will
look for an answer and find one when you stay open.
9. Stop When You Are Full
It is easy to keep eating once you start so a good trick to stop
when you know you have had enough is to grab a piece of gum
or sugar-free candy and pop it in your mouth. This gives your
stomach time to tell your brain you are full. Hot coffee or tea
is another option.
10. Enjoy
Food is part of the celebration but you don’t have to overindulge
to enjoy it. If you have a treat eat it mindfully and savor it, you will
find you don’t need as much to feel satisfied.
Pick out a couple of these tips to focus on during the holiday and
feel good about yourself and your eating decisions.
All My Best for a Happy and HEALTHY Holiday!
Dr. Becky
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