It’s that time of year again. That time when shopping, traveling, and celebrating takes the forefront of already busy schedules; and meal prep, working out, and overall “me-time” goes on the back burner. All of your hard work of finding and maintaining a healthy schedule for yourself doesn’t have to get thrown out the window though!
Here are 3 simple tips to help avoid that daunting mindset of “starting all over” once the New Year hits.
1. Plan ahead
There are only 35 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. That’s all! You can
make it out on the other side of this season without feeling like you totally overdid it if you take some time to plan ahead. Got a party coming up? Start your day out eating light, and save your calories for treats later. Don’t starve yourself though, not eating all day is never a good idea. That will only lead to eating too fast when you do, and overeating as a result.
If you’re going to be out and about all day shopping or traveling, take just a few minutes before stepping out of the house to pack some healthy snacks so you don’t end up at a drive-through or in line at the bagel shop. Great things to take on-the-go can be as simple as carrot sticks, almonds, or an apple.
2. Stay hydrated
This is SO key. Keeping yourself hydrated before, during, and after a holiday event will have your body thanking you on so many levels. Your organs will work smoothly to help detoxify your body, and drinking enough water can help you feel satiated too. Arriving at a party hydrated will give you the sense of feeling full, and you won’t immediately reach for snacks. If you’re going to drink alcohol (and don’t want to get sloshed), try to drink an extra 8oz of water per drink. An easy way to do this is to have a glass of water between each beverage. It’ll keep you hydrated, and help slow down calorie intake from beer, wine, or liquor. Drink a glass of water before you go to bed too. This helps replenish fluids, and aids in calorie-burning and toxin-clearing benefits while you sleep.
3. Jumpstart your goals
Why wait until the New Year to set goals? Give yourself something to work towards DURING the holidays. Set goals that you can strive for weekly, or even daily. Say you’ll do cardio a certain number of times a week, or reach a certain number of steps every day. Make yourself a schedule, and stick to it, even if you have to modify it here and there. Don’t have time to get to the gym today? No problem. Even a 5-minute bodyweight workout or yoga session at home is better than nothing at all. Avoid the “all-or-nothing” mindset. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t throw the towel in. Let yourself be human, and pick it right back up where you left off.
All in all, enjoy your holidays. Know that it won’t always be perfect, and be okay with that. Let yourself indulge for a night, just not for the whole season. Take the time to plan. Give yourself structure with a schedule and goals to work towards, and you’ll slide right into the New Year with ease.