It’s holiday season and for many that means high anxiety. We want to enjoy the holidays and the thought of fitness, eating right and enjoyment seem to give the impression of an odd pairing. What if I told you, you could enjoy the holiday while sticking to your health and fitness plans and it will actually relieve the anxiety and stress the holidays seem to bring?
Every year, I hear friends talk about the craziness that is the holidays. Suddenly, there’s no time to take care of yourself and it’s one holiday feasting after another. In some respects, this is great for the health and fitness industry. From now until the end of the year, it’s email blast, ad pop-ups and social media posts, not telling you to take time for you, but to take a month to indulge and THEN join my club to get back on track January 1. Great marketing, bad advice. When I took a leap of faith in myself and started my health journey, I started on DECEMBER 4th. Many including my husband and myself thought this was crazy. Who begins a health program at the start of the holiday season? Well, me. I gave up sugar, alcohol, processed foods, grains, and starches. You know, the good stuff we enjoy during the holidays. My husband made a good point back then: “if you can make it through the holidays doing this, everything else will be easy.” It’s never easy but he had a point.
I’m not saying you need to go full boar into a program like I did, but there are some things you can do to stay on track during the holidays.
Take time for your fitness!
Fitness is the best stress reliever and anti-depressant there is and one-hour of your day is worth it. Maybe you don’t have a full hour, but take time to stretch for 15 minutes; take the dog for a walk; do a quick 30-minute HIIT routine. Anything and everything counts. If you’re lucky enough to live in the mountains, use your lunch break to make some laps on the hill (hint: mid-week is the best time to ski.)
Plan ahead for those holiday parties.
If you’re attending a party that will be filled with temptations, eat before you go. This will fill your tummy and make you less likely to graze the buffet. Most parties I’ve attended, I’ve found there are healthy options that keep me on track. Use the small plates and only fill it once.
Have hot tea or water if going alcohol free. If you wish to enjoy some spirits, choose those with fewer calories and sugars. Whisky is 62 calories and zero sugars. Don’t like a whisky neat? Have it mixed with hot water, lemon and a bit o’honey. This is a great warm wintery drink without the extra calories.
Drink light or non-alcoholic beers or even a glass of wine. 4 oz. of red wine is 74 calories and only 1.8 g of carbs.
Hosting a Thanksgiving or holiday dinner?
This is at times the most cumbersome event of the season. What to make? How do I provide a great meal but stay within my plan? Below is my Thanksgiving dinner plans. It will be just my husband and I but there are a few options he will not budge on…potatoes. Not to fear, plan for all and keep it simple.
Turkey baked to perfection.
Mashed Potatoes (get a small bag of red potatoes to keep the portions small and limit the leftover temptations.)
Mashed Cauliflower. Okay I get it, it sounds awful. I once thought so as well. However, Birdseye has a wonderful mashed cauliflower with sour cream and chives option that has converted this potato lover.
Gravy
Green beans
Brussel Sprouts with BACON!!
Keto Stuffing. Stuffing is quite possibly my most favorite piece of Thanksgiving. Giving up grains left me feeling lost on this dish. Visit Pinterest and there is a great grain free keto stuffing recipe that tastes as good as the original. Even the ever picky husband gives his stamp of approval.
Keto friendly cranberries.
Keto pumpkin cheesecake bars. So I love Pinterest and this recipe is delicious. It gives you that “sweet tooth” fix and if you’re not a pie fan, like me, it is a nice alternative.
Pecan Pie with ice cream. While the hubs will enjoy much of what I have, he does have his limits, so yes I have a pecan pie just for him.
The great thing about the holidays is, you don’t have to sacrifice all of your hard work to be part of the party. Some careful planning and remaining committed to your goals will ensure you are able to relax and enjoy. I also recommend starting a program during the holidays. It’s a great gift to yourself and to those you love.
Have a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Miche
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