Sunday, December 23, 2012

Getting Through the Holidays.....

It seems like I've received several emails lately on how to eat healthy and still enjoy the holidays. I will be honest with you, just eat! Eat what you want. Enjoy food. Don't feel guilty. The key is to do it in moderation. 

The only people I know of who have ever eaten a "strict certain diet" over the holidays are those people following a "strict certain diet."  Problem is, what will happen one, two, or three Christmas's from now when they are not on that diet anymore? Will their body know what to do? Will their brain be trained on how to eat for enjoyment but in moderation? Have you trained your brain?  Are you willing to give it a shot?

This is really the key with weight loss and maintenance. Yes, initially you have to make some sacrifices on your food choices when you are actively losing, but when it came to special occasions and or the holidays, I always ate what I wanted but in moderation. I never wanted to deprive myself of anything.  I wanted to train my mind most of all, on how to eat normal foods, even treats, and still come out a winner in the end. I often times wouldn't find myself losing that 1/2 -1 pound weight loss for that week but I maintained without a gain and learned I could enjoy that special celebration or holiday and ENJOY the foods I love. 

I was just at a Christmas luncheon for work a week or so ago and one of the gals I work closely with said to me afterwards, " I love how you just ate whatever you wanted. I saw you pick some naughty things and I also saw you pass by other naughty things. (I try to balance out the naughties when I can.)  It made me look at you and think, if she can do it like that...so can I." 

You too can train your body and brain to be successful during the holidays. The key is to eat what you want, enjoy the festive foods you're surrounded with, and keep moving! Yep, you can't do all this and expect not to exercise. If you're away from your gym or the things you're used to doing, go for a walk. Go on a hike....just be active in some way each day. Honestly your mind needs that more than anything. For me it makes me feel empowered. I'm telling my body who is in charge and that even though we may be eating some things that normally aren't consumed, we're still going to have to work for them. You can do it! You make up the rules remember? Just tell your mind and body how it's going to be, and they will follow along. I promise it works every time.

With that in mind, and as we remember this week the birth of our Savior, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!


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3 comments:

  1. Hello!!! So glad you've posted. I like your approach to the holidays and I take the same.

    Have a wonderful Christmas!!

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  2. Excellent advice, Paige!
    Have a very merry Christmas:)
    ❀Barbara❀
    My Running Shortz

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  3. Right on girl. Everyone is so hard on themselves about holidays. Don't get me wrong they shouldn't go crazy and then maybe that's fine and re-evaluate it after a supposed "bad" day. Moderation is definately the key. Missed your positivity! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

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