How to Stay on Track Over the Holidays

Christmas Time...

...is one of my favourite times of year. I love the special faith traditions and family customs that have been passed down.  I love the time I get to spend with my 6 children and the special people in their lives, as well as our new grandson.  It is so much fun to spend time with our parents, my 3 sisters, 2 brothers and all of their children and grandchildren.  Our immediate family is over 50 people, so it is a very busy and full time of year.

Christmas time is so special, but it can also be one of the most stressful times of year with all the shopping, food prep, baking, activities, parties, work functions and so on. It can be a time of year where we can really get off track with our food choices and lifestyle with all of the travelling, eating out and gathering for dinners and parties. 

This all inspired me to share some of my tips to help us keep on track over the holidays.

Ask yourself what is most important to you during the holidays. Ask yourself how you want to feel over the holidays. Do you want to feel rested and full of energy so you can really enjoy your children, grandchildren and all of the festivities?  Do you want to feel lighter and able to feel comfortable in your clothes?  Do you want savour the moments with loved ones and enjoy all the festive food?  Keep reading to find out how you can achieve that.

#1: Reduce Stress

You can lower a significant amount of stress by planning ahead. Prioritize what things really need to get done. Make a list of all the things that you need to do before Christmas.  Pace yourself. Simplify, so you don’t become overwhelmed and exhausted by the time Christmas arrives.  Slow down and be present in the moment.  Slowing down and putting an end to all the multitasking we do can really help us focus and enjoy whatever activity we're doing.  Slow down, enjoy conversation and focus on the person you are with. Slow down while making a meal: put on your favourite Christmas tune and really enjoy your time in the kitchen.  Slow down while eating and savour each bite.   

#2: Get Enough Sleep

Make sure you stay consistent with getting enough sleep. Aim for 7 -8 hours per night, even over the holidays. During busy times, our bodies need even more time to rejuvenate and recover. Getting enough sleep will help us keep our cortisol levels balanced and will even help us with appetite!

#3: Don't Show Up Starving

Don’t show up to a party famished. Many people don’t eat much during the day as they think that they will save the calories for the party. This can really back fire, as when we are super hungry and our blood sugars are dipping low, we often overeat and choose items that are higher in sugar and processed carbs.

#4: Bring a Healthy Dish

Bring a dish to your family gatherings or parties. I like to bring a healthy appetizer like veggies and dip, hummus and whole grain crackers, a lentil and bean dip or a delicious salad. This will ensure that you have something healthy to snack on along with some of the other festive foods.

#5: Use the Swaps!

​Swap ingredients in your favourite Christmas recipes. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without some of my grandma’s favourite recipes!  I still make some of them, but I have swapped out some of the ingredients to lower the sugar content and increase the fibres, proteins and healthy fats so they don’t totally throw off my blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels stay balanced, we have an easier time making good choices and are able to maintain a healthy weight even with all of the holiday eating.

Don't forget, not everything needs to be swapped. This is the holiday season, after all. Your diet doesn't have to be perfect, just balanced. Choose a couple special treats and enjoy!

#6: Keep Moving

Keep up with physical activity. Aim to get your steps or simple work out in. Plan some of your activities around physical activities: take a walk together, plan a toboggan party, or head out cross country skiing. If weather doesn’t permit outside activities, plan swimming, rent a local gym for a fun family game of floor hockey or a night of bowling.  

#7: Enjoy a Few of Your Favourite Treats

My approach to a healthy life is not about being perfect. If we are making good choices most of the time, we can see improvements in our health and get to our weight loss  and health goals. So go ahead and chose a few special treats and really enjoy them without guilt! You deserve it. 

My entire Simple Swaps to Slim Down Program is founded on living a balanced, realistic life. I teach my clients how to swap out simple ingredients in their recipes to balance blood sugar and hormones, as well as tune up their metabolism so they can lose weight, have great energy and vibrant health.

Stay on Track this Holiday Season!

If you incorporate some of these tips, you will avoid the average weight gain of 5-8 lbs during the holidays. You will feel rested and energized. Instead of looking older and worn out, you will have people asking you how you are managing to look younger and refreshed. You will have the energy to keep up to your busy family, grandchildren, friends and community. You will be able to look back on Christmas 2019 and say this was your best Christmas ever! You will set yourself up for success going into the new year.

Give the Gift of Health This Holiday Season

Do you know someone who has been thinking about starting the Simple Swaps to Slim Down Program? Or someone in your life you would really like to take control of their own health in the new year, and make 2020 their best year yet? Think about gifting the Simple Swaps to Slim Down Program this holiday season. You can find all the information you need in the link below. 

Gift the SIMPLE SWAPS program