The Holiday season is here.

And with it comes many extras – chocolate, cookies, alcohol; and more hours around table filled with food.

It’s usually a busier time too, and that can make it tough to maintain your healthy habits.

If you want to enjoy this holiday season instead of stressing out about holiday weight gain, here are 5 things you can do.

 

Keep your exercise routine going.

Schedule in specific work out times so you don’t miss them. All you need is 12 to 20 minutes a day. Stay consistent. All the extra food, booze and parties will make you feel like crap if you don’t move your body at least a few times per week.

 

Watch those liquid calories.

Booze calories – and more importantly liquid sugar, can add up quickly! A glass of wine has approximately 130 calories; with a glass of red wine typically containing about 0.9 grams of total sugar, and a glass of white wine around 1.4 grams. And the average cocktail has anywhere from 150- 400 calories, containing 8 grams of sugar or more.

Indulge consciously

There’s no need to lock yourself up in food jail. It’s unrealistic -not to mention no fun, to completely deprive yourself during the holidays. Just be conscious of your choices.  If you love cookies or chocolate, eat them. Indulge, then let it go. That being said, holidays are days, not weeks. Enjoy yourself on Christmas, New Years Eve and your holiday parties; and the rest of the time stick to your regular healthy meals. And if you slip up, don’t enter the “My effort has gone to hell so I may as well eat all the cookies in the kitchen” cycle.

 

Fill half of your plate with vegetables and protein.

With your plate full of vegetables, you will avoid eating too many empty-calorie foods. Also, the protein will help keep you satiated for longer. This way you can try a little of everything, without overeating.

Don’t beat yourself up

If at any time you find that you have eaten more than you wanted to, or drank an extra cocktail, don’t blame yourself.   Relax and take a breath. Tomorrow will be another day.

In the comments below, I’d love for you to share how you stay balanced during the holiday season.

Un abrazo.

Ana