Staying Healthy Year-round

Not just during the holiday season, all year round we have social engagements, travel, parties, big meals, snack foods at the office, drinking… it just escalates between Thanksgiving and New Years and then Valentine’s Day, oh, and Birthdays… Easter… Summer… Fall… Add to that travel, disrupted exercise schedules… and it is all too easy to return to those old habits that caused your symptoms in the first place.

Make a promise to put yourself at the top of your list. As hard as you’ve worked to shift your habits and routines and stay on course with your health, just a few tips and strategies can keep you winning without feeling deprived.

Please, enjoy the parties and gatherings along with everyone else. Use these ideas.

1. If you are going to splurge, savor it.

Do not hide, feel remorse, or otherwise invalidate yourself. Right there in public just have that imported and very special chocolate. OK?

2. Think of your food as fuel.

Ask yourself: If I eat >sugar, cookies, cake, ice-cream, bread…< how will I feel?

Ask yourself: How can I nicely ask my boss not to keep the bowl of candies on my desk? Can I suggest another place?

You’ve heard the car analogies before, but they’re perfect. Fill your tank with cheap gas, wrong gas, not enough gas, your car (YOU) will stop running well, it (YOUR BODY) will start making noise (SYMPTOMS) and, eventually, you’ll stop being able to move at all. You are worth the upgrade to premium—and those cheap sweets that show up all over are definitely not premium. See point #1

And while we’re on it, download my FREE Healthy Holidays recipe book.

3. Think, no one is more valuable to you than you.

Truly, you are the most important person in your life. If you aren’t getting what you need, happy, and healthy, how can you take care of all those other things and people who we often put first. In the 2nd place slot are those you love. They’re counting on you to stay healthy and full of energy.

And the corollary:

4. Don’t consider that steps to maintain vibrant health are selfish.

Your family, spouse, children, groups… need a strong and happy You; not a tired-sad-resentful someone. Taking care of yourself takes care of them. Create a balance.

5. Make your meals and exercise as important as other appointments.

The meeting with your boss, the dentist… everything gets scheduled around appointments. THAT is how you should see taking care of You. You’re busy; remain steadfast and prioritized on “your health first”. Here are some ideas:

1. Eat breakfast.
   Don’t be in a hurry or “grab and go.” It takes next to no time to put healthy ingredients in a blender and make smoothies. Skipping breakfast can lead to an energy slump and cravings—and bigger goal violations. Make sure to include some protein to feel more satiated and provide all day energy. Need ideas? Grab my free download.
2. Study ALL of the food options before you put anything on your plate.
   Decide which foods are worth eating and which can be ignored, and then stick to that decision.
3. Pile on non-starchy veggies; leave little room for starchy foods.
   Limit the mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, rolls, rice, pasta… if you have to have any, choose just one and just a few bites. Choose fruits and vegetables served raw, grilled or steamed. Avoid the creams and gravies. Both the starches and their (typically sweetened) sauces are going to be come sugar when broken down and digested. Sugar spikes release insulin, fat burning stops (for some 48 hours!), sugar not burned up exercising is converted to triglycerides which move through the blood to your waist, hips, thighs… got it?
4. Not sure if anything will be on your “OK” list? Bring your own.
   Most hosts appreciate offers of bringing things. Even if they courteously answer that it isn’t necessary, explaining why can open a positive dialog about what you’re working on for yourself. Just a simple, “I recently turned some awful symptoms around by starting a special diet. Would it be OK if I brought a dish to share?” Be prepared to tell them what you can eat, not just the list of what you can’t. You can even offer to help shop or prepare for the event.
5. Focus on socializing instead of eating.
   Find a comfortable spot across the room and away from the food and liquor.
6. Stick to naturally calorie-free drinks.
   Hydrate throughout your day with water, herbal tea, mineral water or seltzer. Add a slice of lemon, lime, some cucumber, mint, dress it up! If you choose to drink alcohol, which turns into sugar, limit it and have it with food. By the way, fake sugars like aspartame and erythritol… cause weight gain too.
7. Take a walk after your meal.
   Get moving with family and friends. A welcome break from being surrounded by treats, exercise is also a great way to lower blood sugar levels, revitalize energy, and feel more alive.

6. Keep your sights on your goal.

Don’t take your eyes off  your thoughts for a minute! It’s all too easy to go into agreement with our social think. “What’s a Holiday without sugar?” “What’s dinner without desert?” “What’s a party without alcohol?” “What’s Halloween without candy?” … Have you ever inspected these ideas? Enough said.

8. Think about how amazing you’ll look and feel.

“Look” might sound superficial, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel your best. There’s power and confidence in seeing your strong new muscles, and being able to fit into your favorite jeans or mini. Your outside is a wrapper for your insides. If you look good, you feel good.

Help your body reflect the magnificence that you are.