With the holiday season behind us, do not allow the past few weeks to derail everything you have accomplished over the past year. We offer the following tips to help you make smart and healthy choices this winter.
Start early
If you have been good all year or do not trust yourself as the end of the year or big celebration approaches, make sure good habits start today. Preparing properly balanced meals, identifying healthy portions, making an effort to eat slower and training yourself to resist unhealthy choices now makes it easier to say, “No,” when looking at a delicious celebratory spread.
Drink plenty of water
Often, it almost seems easier to reach for a sugary seasonal drink instead of a cool glass of water. Committing yourself to drinking at least eight glasses of water each day will not only keep you hydrated, but also help you maintain your energy level and aid in portion control.
When looking for an additional energy boost, black coffee or caffeinated teas are healthier options than sugary lattes, cocktails, sodas or energy drinks.
Choose a smaller plate
When serving yourself, it is easier to overindulge and fill all the available space on a large dining plate. Providing smaller plates, bowls and glasses at meals helps everyone with portion control, as well as encourages guests to think twice before heaping on a second serving of mashed potatoes.
When eating out, choose smaller portions, share a meal or save the leftovers to enjoy the meal again the following day.
Enjoy your food
Taking the time to enjoy each bite will not only show your compliments to the chef, but also allow additional portion control with the help of your stomach. Chewing each bite and placing your fork down between each swallow helps you listen to your body and pick up on fullness cues you may miss if you shovel down your food instead.
Be adventurous
If your traditional family recipe calls for unhealthy ingredients, experiment with healthy alternatives. Replace brown Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes in your grandmother’s famous mashed potatoes for a boost of vitamin A or try adding in more fruits, vegetables or nuts to your favorite recipes to make new, healthy traditions.
Splurge, do not starve
It is okay to make a few delicious exceptions to your healthy routine. Deciding to skip the next meal or two afterwards, however, is not in the best interest of your health. Commit to a light healthy meal and continue with your regular exercise routine after a large, celebratory supper.
Active traveling
When traveling, do not let your itinerary prevent you from keeping to your fitness routine. Pack accordingly for the weather you are traveling to and make sure to throw in a few extra layers, pair of gloves or beanie into your luggage when traveling outside of Orange County. Consider bringing along fitness DVDs or a yoga mat to bring your exercise indoors in case of inclement weather. Many local fitness studios allow you to try out a class for free, offer individual bundles without paying a membership fee or smaller packages that you can share with your family. Remember to do your research before you head out so you do not have any excuses to skip out on working out.
The smartest choice you can make any time of the year is to wash your hands. Germs spread fast so avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands in order to keep those germs at bay.
Good luck!
Photo credit: Flickr user ginnerobot. Used with permission through Creative Commons.