Christmas decorations are making their debut, and the smell of fresh baked gingerbread cookies is in the air.  Sticking to a healthy eating plan and regular exercise routine can be a battle any day of the year.  During the holidays, however, festive feasts, willpower-impairing spirits, and tempting chocolate truffles team up to challenge even the most resolute health nut. 

Unfortunately, the fear of putting on a few pounds, the stress of making too many ‘food choices’, or the feeling of guilt after indulging in too many shortbread cookies can overshadow holiday joy.  tress and guilt around food choices is counterproductive to keeping healthy and enjoying the holidays.

Fortunately, you CAN look and feel your best during the holidays! Follow these tips to thrive during the holidays: to fully enjoy the holiday season without ringing in the New Year feeling like the jolly man himself. 

In this episode of the Fit and Vibrant You Podcast I discuss simple strategies and mindshift changes so you go from merely surviving the holidays to THRIVING!  

Think: being in charge of your eating habits, sticking to a workout schedule, managing stress, ENJOYING the holiday season!

In the podcast I talk you through the holiday THRIVE tips (there’s 10 of them… here are the first 3:

#1: The Holidays are not that Special
  Shift your mindset: the holidays are not that special.   Holidays are special because of the time we get to spend with our friends and family; holidays are not special enough to warrant gaining weight, or feeling lethargic.   If you find yourself worried about the holidays, remind yourself that the holidays are just a series of social events; and for most people, social events and family gatherings happen all year round.  The November and December months are really not that different.  Yes, there will be opportunities to eat foods you wouldn’t normally find in front of you, but you’re an adult.  If you really want chocolate, or shortbread, or a certain type of cheese, you can likely have it anytime of the year.  

#2: Remember your ‘WHY’
Remind yourself WHY you want to be healthy.  Do your exercises each day because you want to take good care of yourself, and you want to be energized for the rest of the day.  Eat well because you want to fuel your body with life giving, nourishing foods.   Take care of yourself because you are worth it.  The holidays are a wonderful time of the year- would you rather spend it feeling energetic and vibrant, or sluggish, bloated and frustrated with yourself?

#3: Redefine your expectations
Have realistic expectations.  If your goal is to lose weight, aim to maintain during the holidays.  If you usually go to the gym 5 days a week, maybe 3 is more realistic while the family is visiting.

Thanks For Tuning In!

Thanks so much for joining me this week. I really look forward to getting to know you in the months to come. If you have a question that you would like answered, or need a bit of extra help in a certain area, please take a moment to email me at tanja@tanjashaw.com

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