We are in the middle of what I like to call Eating Season and it’s truly a magical time of year!
Not only am I referring to the two glorious nights of the year where we are encouraged to overeat but in general it seems like food is what brings us all together from October to January. There are dinners and brunches and late nights with wine and takeout because it’s effing freezing outside and is there anything better than being cozy inside with pizza and friends? No, the answer is no.
But if you’re anything like me, it can be easy to go a little overboard and before you know it you’re knee deep in Lindt chocolate wrappers and your apartment has a permanent pot stickers odor. Why do you think Lululemon and gyms all across America have such a fabulous month for sales in January?
But if you can’t indulge during the holidays what’s the point?? Eating and drinking with family and friends is a well-deserved treat we should all feel good about. I just think there are ways to balance out all the celebrating with healthier habits that will leave you feeling a lot less bloated and lethargic by the end of the season.
Check out my 5 tips for staying healthy(ish) this holiday season below!
SO MUCH WATER
Water is and will always be your best friend. My first instinct when I’m feeling bloated or too full is to guzzle water. Which may sound counter-intuitive because obviously water makes you bloat and feel fuller BUT it also helps so much with digestion. Staying hydrated will help ease some of that inevitable hangover hurt and help you feel fuller throughout the day so you can make more reasonable choices later on when you’re helping yourself to Christmas dinner.
In general, water is always a good move and the more you drink the better you’ll feel!
IT’S ALL IN THE PORTIONS
I am the girl who fills her plate to the brim, only to realize that I have really overdone it but at that point, it’s way too late and my mom didn’t raise a quitter so I will finish every last bite. Even if that means I’m clutching my stomach in agony on the couch after. Yikes.
We can all enjoy all of our favorite things, its just about portion control. I always start with filling my plate with all of the veggie side dishes and then get a normal helping of everything else. Maybe it’s the stress of having a big family who eats as much as I do, but I always feel like I HAVE to pile on the food in case it’s gone later. Which is absurd because there’s always food leftover and I’m just being crazy.
One time my cousin and I could not get enough of my aunt’s chili (she’s a professional chef so everything she makes is fabulous) and she literally had to pry our bowls out of our hands because we kept going back for more and she didn’t want us to DIE. Don’t be like us. Please. Know your limits.
Also, if you’re full you’re full. You don’t have to lick the plate clean. Don’t hurt yourself!
WORKING OUT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ALL OR NOTHING
Our schedules can get so hectic during the holidays and we might find ourselves skipping the gym or not renewing our pilates subscription for the month. It can be easy to fall into the mindset of “well if I can’t go 5 days a week like I usually do I just shouldn’t go at all” or “I only have 30 minutes so I wouldn’t get in a good work out anyway”. That is simply untrue.
Just because you can’t dedicate the same amount of time to working out as you usually do doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything at all. If you can squeeze in 20 minutes to run around your neighborhood, do an ab workout in your living room or even just go on a nice walk you’ll still be moving your body a little bit each day. I often times just go to the gym for 30 minutes because that’s all the time I have. I just make sure that those 30 minutes are effective and I’m not spending them scrolling through Instagram.
Find a way to get moving for 15-30 minutes a few days a week and at least when you do get back into your regular workout schedule after all your holiday feasting it won’t be such a shock to your body.
VITAMIN C ALL DAY EVERYDAY
This is also flu season people and there are some nasty germs going around. I am constantly hearing people sniffle and cough and it is just inevitable that something gross will enter your system. Plus, with all the not so healthy eating and increased drinking our immune systems are probably not at their strongest.
I take vitamin C and a million other supplements every day but I am especially diligent is taking care of my body this time of year because I, like most people, despise being sick. After a night of drinking, I like to have a green juice or even mix some Emergen-C into my water so I can help my body fight off anything weird and reset my system.
Also, just fucking cover your mouth when you cough. Come on. Don’t be that guy.
ENJOY YOUR TREATS
You should be able to enjoy all the treats and good times the holidays have to offer without feeling like garbage. I am constantly reminding myself that I don’t need to be so hard on myself when I indulge. I feel better physically and mentally when I’m making healthier decisions but I also have to live my life, you know? Cheese is good for the soul!
Don’t let all of the ads you’re going to see everywhere come January about “getting it together” in the new year make you feel guilty. We all have indulgement moments and that’s totally okay! Good food with food friends is a gift and not something we should make into a negative thing. Enjoy your treats thoroughly, you deserve it! Even if you feel like you overdid it, you can always start fresh.
What is your favorite holiday indulgence? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, She
