Prevent Stress from Ruining Your Holiday and Your Weight Loss

Most of us look forward to the holiday season, but the extra stress of shopping, getting prepared for those holiday gatherings, and decking the halls can make us neglect our health.

If you still want to enjoy all of the perks of the holiday season, while staying healthy and without all of the extra stress, here are some tips on how to do just that...

Planning in Advance Helps

During the holidays, it can be very easy to slip into a Grinch-like mood. (Especially if you are doing everything at the last minute). When this happens, our priorities can become shifted, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Rather than succumbing to the pressures of last-minute shopping and decorating, plan out your schedule and make time in advance to maintain healthy habits.

Stick to your guns, and make the time to go to the gym. You should set your holiday plans around your healthy lifestyle schedule; not the other way around.

If need be, save the holiday plans for the weekends only, or do smaller holiday activities during the week at a certain time each day. (Example: 5:30-6:30, gym. 7:30-9, dinner and decorating.)

For what you don’t get finished during the week, you can always reserve for the weekend. Make Saturdays a shopping day with the kids, and make Sunday the designated day for decorations and baking with the family.

Add a Little Health to the Holiday Palette

When it comes time to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family, make it a priority to prepare healthier drinks, appetizers, and main dishes.

If you are on a diet, make sure you plate plenty of protein on your buffet table. Traditional holiday foods like deviled eggs can be great, as well as a shrimp cocktail or a leafy salad, with grilled chicken breast.

If preparing all of the food on your own for your holiday party is a little overwhelming, assign each of your guests a dish, and make recipe recommendations.

This way, you can ensure that all mouths are satisfied, without sacrificing your goals.

You don't even have to worry about the beverage selection. In fact, here are some healthy holiday cocktails you can bring.

Listen to Your Body and Slow Down

Sometimes, we can let holiday stress get the best of us, which can make us physically sick. If you are starting to have the typical symptoms of holiday stress, (frequent headaches, diarrhea, anxiety, etc.) it may be time for you to slow down.

Here is a quick checklist of how you can stay physically healthy during the holiday times:

1. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night

2. Make time for yourself. Take at least 30 minutes out of each day and relax, or do a leisurely activity. Go for a nice walk, get a massage, or get a manicure or pedicure.

3. If you feel the stress is starting to make you panic, learn how to breathe. Take a break from the chaos, and practice a few breathing techniques. Take a few, deep calming breaths in and out and maintain a relaxing state.

Don’t Do Everything at Once

When you try to do everything at once, this can make things extremely complicated and stressful. Mentally, you can become overwhelmed and this can make you forget to do simple things like, EAT!

Never starve yourself in order to get holiday shopping or errands done. This can make your body crash, and can slow down your metabolism.

If you are headed out early to get a start on shopping, make sure that you take the time to eat a healthy breakfast first. Ideally, one that is balanced with lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Eggs, with a side of whole wheat toast and a serving of fruit is a great option.

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