How to Indulge and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
By Cristin Dillon,SELF magazine
It's November and the holiday season has officially begun. There are signs of the season everywhere but if you start celebrating now it could be tough on your waistline. Here is tip #1 to help you have a healthier holiday season. Keepchecking back for more!
Related: 10 Ways to Lose Weight Like a Guy
What's exciting about the holiday season is that it only comes once a year. Unfortunately society seems to force it on us earlier and earlier each year so the excitement wears off quickly.
The key to having a healthy holiday season is to keep the excitement alive by only indulging occasionally and allowing some things to remain special even if you could have them every day from the end of October through mid-January!
Related: Secrets of Happy Eaters
We associate certain treats with each part of the holiday season. We look forward to having these treats because they are part of a tradition. We run into trouble when we start "celebrating" too often like on weekdays and weeknights. You shouldn't skip your holiday parties but you should limit the number of times you choose to indulge at these events. You don't want the novelty of the season to wear off before you even reach the real holiday! If you are invited to ten parties:
Pick three or four that you want to indulge at and treat the others like a normal night.
Limit your drinks (2 per party)
Never attend a party on an empty stomach (even if a full dinner will be served)
Try to make healthy choices -- avoid all fried foods and limit desserts to one per party!
Eggnog may offered at everyday at Starbucks but save that treat for Christmas Eve! By limiting your indulgences you'll stay excited about the season rather than getting upset over the scale inching up. The holidays are a special time for everyone and are even more enjoyable if you stay happy and stay healthy!
Check back each week for another Healthy Holiday Tip!
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Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio
