How to prevent overeating during the holiday season.
It all starts with being consistent. What do I mean by that? If you ever want to be great at anything you must be persistent and consistent. It doesn’t matter if its health, sports, business, marriage, raising kids or mastering mindless and unproductive video games; but you must be consistent to do well at any of these. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard. Let’s take golf for example. The best golfers I know practice year round. They are consistently working on their game, they don’t take extended breaks. Great golfers workout inside, study tape and/or read literature.
The same is true when it comes to taking care of your health. The healthiest individuals I know don’t take breaks when it comes to taking care of their wellbeing. It’s a lifelong relationship. As soon as you break down you can begin to unravel a path down prediabetic lane. It’s the accumulation of successful decisions over time that creates victory. Get your hands on the slight edge by Jeff Olsen. It’s one of the best books you can read if you feel like moving forward in all aspects of life. I don’t like to focus on the negative but I need to real quick. Too many people are looking to shift responsibility to someone else, a pill, magic diet, genetics or surgery, but the answer lies in the mirror. To help you stay consistent here are a few tips to avoid overeating during the holiday season.
Tips on how to avoid overeating during the holiday season:
#1. Learn how to say no without saying “no.” It’s a mental game you must play over the holiday season to avoid the food coma. I know you love your Aunt but three trips to carb central are not going to help.
#2. Don’t take leftovers home. You’ll eat it. If you must, take the healthy foods home.
#3. If you are hosting, give leftovers away and bring the desserts to work.
#4. I asked Christa, Masters of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition, who I work with in the clinic to give some advice and she provided the following. Drink plenty of water and have a small meal (preferably high in fiber) prior to arriving to a holiday party. Essentially, don’t show up hungry.
#5. If your family is like mine, there will be plenty of adult beverages present. To avoid drinking, let everyone know you are the sober driver for the night. It’s hard to argue with that one.
#6. Get some exercise. Who cares if it’s the holiday season, its one hour of your time. Consistency is key!
I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season! Please leave your tips in the comments section below.
Finest Regards,
Tony Rhodes DC
