Why Wait Until January 2? Make A Change Now!
It is a fact that most people will not follow through with their New Year's Resolutions.
And, since weight loss is usually at the top of most people's list come January 2, why not give yourself the chance to work towards your goals today.
Too often we take an all or nothing approach with our health.
But the key is to maintain a balance all year round.
Here are four practical ways you can do this without sacrificing the joys of the season.
Indulge Less There is probably no other time of year in which we indulge more.
From Thanksgiving through New Years we splurge on high calorie, high fat foods with little or no exercise.
It's okay to enjoy these great treats, but limit the number of times you hit the buffet table to one and watch your portions sizes.
If your workplace resembles a pastry shop the whole month of December, limit yourself to one or two cookies a day.
You would be shocked at how easily the calories add up when you are eating small treats like cookies and confections.
If you are hosting a holiday dinner or party this season, add some healthy treats like fresh fruit Kabobs, lots of vegetables and salads mixed in with some of the traditional foods of the season.
Many of your guests will appreciate the break from the heavier, high-fat foods and will welcome the healthy choices! Make time for yourself Sometimes things don't always turn out the way we would like them too.
Especially when we are hurried, we need to practice the art of being flexible.
While many of us are over-booked this holiday season, take a few minutes each day and plan some time for yourself.
Studies have shown that when we have added stress in our lives, many of us will over eat to fill that void.
One way to release stress is through exercise.
Exercise is not only a great way to help you manage stress during the holidays, but by being flexible with your schedule you can fit it in each day!If you don't have a large block of time, break up the exercise throughout your day into three or four 10-minute increments.
Another way to release some stress is to enjoy some downtime.
Take a hot bath, listen to some soothing music, engage in a hobby, or read a good book.
All of these ideas are little gifts to ourselves and will help us to keep our balance during this hectic time of the year.
And, you will feel so much better and have a lot more energy to enjoy all the great things you have planned this month.
Plan ahead with your meals If you are worried about over-eating and lack time, consider making some easy, freezable meals.
One versatile meal is Chili made with 100% ground turkey breast.
Chili, made with the very low-fat ground turkey breast, is full of nutrients, fiber and protein.
It is great as a standalone meal with some multi-grain bread, but may also be used on top of a baked potato, in tacos with corn tortillas, or on top of a salad.
Another idea is instead of having a baking day with friends; plan a day cooking freezable meals.
You will spend some quality time with people you care about, and by the end of the day you will have lots of healthy, home-cooked meal options.
You can easily pull these meals out on a busy day and have them to reheat in a crock-pot with little to no effort.
You will be less likely to grab high-fat or over-processed convenience foods when you know you have a hot, homemade meal to come home to! Eat healthier holiday foods This year, enjoy the health benefits of some of the season's healthiest foods.
Foods like cranberries, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients that may prevent certain diseases like cancer.
Cranberries are also known to help with urinary track infections, decrease risks of kidney stones, may boost your immune system and may help lower your bad cholesterol.
Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are very high in vitamins A, C, and B6 and are high in dietary fiber.
Also, turkey breast is a good source of niacin, B6 and is a lean source of protein.
Give yourself bigger portions of these tasty options and always load your plate with extra fruits and vegetables! With these tips, it is easy to work towards your health resolutions even during the holidays.
By making a few small changes, you will reap the benefits of good health every season of the year!
And, since weight loss is usually at the top of most people's list come January 2, why not give yourself the chance to work towards your goals today.
Too often we take an all or nothing approach with our health.
But the key is to maintain a balance all year round.
Here are four practical ways you can do this without sacrificing the joys of the season.
Indulge Less There is probably no other time of year in which we indulge more.
From Thanksgiving through New Years we splurge on high calorie, high fat foods with little or no exercise.
It's okay to enjoy these great treats, but limit the number of times you hit the buffet table to one and watch your portions sizes.
If your workplace resembles a pastry shop the whole month of December, limit yourself to one or two cookies a day.
You would be shocked at how easily the calories add up when you are eating small treats like cookies and confections.
If you are hosting a holiday dinner or party this season, add some healthy treats like fresh fruit Kabobs, lots of vegetables and salads mixed in with some of the traditional foods of the season.
Many of your guests will appreciate the break from the heavier, high-fat foods and will welcome the healthy choices! Make time for yourself Sometimes things don't always turn out the way we would like them too.
Especially when we are hurried, we need to practice the art of being flexible.
While many of us are over-booked this holiday season, take a few minutes each day and plan some time for yourself.
Studies have shown that when we have added stress in our lives, many of us will over eat to fill that void.
One way to release stress is through exercise.
Exercise is not only a great way to help you manage stress during the holidays, but by being flexible with your schedule you can fit it in each day!If you don't have a large block of time, break up the exercise throughout your day into three or four 10-minute increments.
Another way to release some stress is to enjoy some downtime.
Take a hot bath, listen to some soothing music, engage in a hobby, or read a good book.
All of these ideas are little gifts to ourselves and will help us to keep our balance during this hectic time of the year.
And, you will feel so much better and have a lot more energy to enjoy all the great things you have planned this month.
Plan ahead with your meals If you are worried about over-eating and lack time, consider making some easy, freezable meals.
One versatile meal is Chili made with 100% ground turkey breast.
Chili, made with the very low-fat ground turkey breast, is full of nutrients, fiber and protein.
It is great as a standalone meal with some multi-grain bread, but may also be used on top of a baked potato, in tacos with corn tortillas, or on top of a salad.
Another idea is instead of having a baking day with friends; plan a day cooking freezable meals.
You will spend some quality time with people you care about, and by the end of the day you will have lots of healthy, home-cooked meal options.
You can easily pull these meals out on a busy day and have them to reheat in a crock-pot with little to no effort.
You will be less likely to grab high-fat or over-processed convenience foods when you know you have a hot, homemade meal to come home to! Eat healthier holiday foods This year, enjoy the health benefits of some of the season's healthiest foods.
Foods like cranberries, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients that may prevent certain diseases like cancer.
Cranberries are also known to help with urinary track infections, decrease risks of kidney stones, may boost your immune system and may help lower your bad cholesterol.
Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are very high in vitamins A, C, and B6 and are high in dietary fiber.
Also, turkey breast is a good source of niacin, B6 and is a lean source of protein.
Give yourself bigger portions of these tasty options and always load your plate with extra fruits and vegetables! With these tips, it is easy to work towards your health resolutions even during the holidays.
By making a few small changes, you will reap the benefits of good health every season of the year!
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