I'm trusting that you're convinced indulgence is a bad thing. That said, it's almost impossible to move through the holiday season without taking a little vacation from weight loss or weight maintenance habits. If you deviate once or twice a month, you'll probably continue to see weight loss. If you eat more, sleep less, drink less water, feel more stress, or exercise less on a regular basis, you can still maintain your weight--if you take steps to ensure you're enjoying, not indulging, in the holiday season.
So how do you enjoy the holidays without going overboard? Here's a baker's dozen of tips and tricks to help you navigate all the temptations and balance out the occasional indulgence:
1) Many people justify their eating by saying, "Well, I won't be able to enjoy this again until next year." That's an excuse, not a reason! Eating more of it now doesn't mean you won't get a craving later. You can't save the flavor for later! And if you really have a craving for eggnog or marshmellow chicks in June, chances are you could either make it yourself, or find it online somewhere any time of year.
2) Your taste buds stop registering flavor after three bites. So take just three bites' worth of those foods you love that aren't your best nutritional choices, and enjoy every bite!
3) Eating and socializing is challenging under the best of circumstances. And, interestingly, many people end up not even tasting all those delicious holiday treats because they're so busy talking and listening! Don't mix eating and socializing unless you can manage it. Get your plate, and go somewhere peaceful to enjoy your meal. Or, get a glass of water or a calorie-free beverage, and get to socializing!
4) Be aware of how alcohol affects your choices. If you know that a spiked eggnog is likely to lead to a big food binge, consider avoiding it unless you won't be able to, or won't be tempted to, overindulge.
5) Keep in mind that alcohol is a high-calorie choice. With 7 calories per gram, it's almost like fats and oils, which have 9 calories per gram. If you imbibe, don't forget it's not calorie-free!
6) For some people, not being with family, mourning the loss of a loved one, or being single can make the holiday season a miserable experience. If you're feeling isolated and alone, come up with a plan to ask for help. Your health care provider, spiritual advisor, or a trusted friend or family member can be a good place to start. And, of course, if you're here, you've got support! Post and let us know how you're feeling, and what you need.
7) For others, the holiday season brings up old unhappy memories, brings together people who otherwise avoid one another, and generally kicks up the stress response, which affects appetite and weight gain. If you can't change the circumstances, change your response to them. Ask for support, use assertive communication skills, set limits with others, and nurture yourself.
8) Sleeplessless wreaks havoc on appetite and mood. Be proactive and take responsibility for your sleep needs. If you'll be traveling, consider bringing your favorite pillow, blanket, or a room spray with you so you can connect with your life back home. And don't forget to be proactive about food and water needs if you'll be flying or taking a long car trip. Thinking ahead to snacks and hydration can make all the difference between gaining, maintaining, or even losing weight during the holiday season!
9) Choose to take responsibility for your own feelings. No one can make you feel a feeling. If you don't like how someone makes you feel, take charge. Often, we feel unhappy with others when we think they should think, act, believe, or feel the same way we do. As tempting as that belief may be, it's not especially realistic, or even all that desirable. Most importantly, it's not true, and holding on to it is only hurting you. Why not try something different, and allow others to be who they are? Trust they're doing the best they can with what they have at their disposal, and focus on doing your best instead.
10) You can't control others' behavior, but you can control yours. Avoid taking or assuming responsibility for what you can't control, and focus on what you say and do. If you're speaking and acting in accord with what you believe is the right thing to do, you're good!
11) There's a saying that goes, "It's easier to save $1 a hundred times than save $100." The same goes for time management! Reduce your stress by being proactive and managing your spare time effectively. Don't just watch a TV show--fill out a few cards during the commercials, or lift weights while you watch. Make a list of the gifts you need to purchase, and take all the information you need with you when you shop. Keep gifts and receipts in one place. Make time to plan ahead, and you'll save time in the long run.
12) Take advantage of every opportunity to get up and move. Put on music and dance at your next family get-together. Take the stairs instead of the escalator. Walk through the mall first before you begin your shopping, just for the exercise. Don't worry about whether it counts--just move! All of those little bits of exercise add up every day, week, and month, and help counteract the days when you have to cut exercise short or skip it altogether.
13) The holiday season is a wonderful time to experiment with new ways to nurture yourself. Ask friends and family for ideas. What nurtures them? Bonus: You'll get a great jump-start on ideas for your gift list!
If you try any of these ideas, I'd love to hear how they work for you. If you've got a tip you'd like to share, please post it! Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you Monday!
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