Have you started to fumble on your health goals? I’m not much of a football fan but I do know that a fumble could mean the difference between winning and losing the game.
Take inventory now… What’s putting you at risk?
• Following a quick-fix diet or unrealistically low-calorie goal this past summer.
• Shorter days and cooler weather limiting your outdoor activities and exercise.
• Holiday candy at the office.
• Tailgate parties and holiday gatherings – rich foods and alcoholic beverages.
• Baking more often in the spirit of the season.
• Comforting winter-time beverages like eggnog, lattes, and hot chocolate.
• Exhaustion from running around town buying gifts and preparing for the holidays.
• Climbing stress levels from all there is to be done before the New Year.
• Dwindling sleep as your mind spins with overwhelming thoughts of…
• Depressed mood with the change of the seasons.
If you’re not aware of where you might fumble, the odds are stacked against you! All of these can influence you to make poor choices. For example, the more time you spend after work or on the weekends trying to cram in your holiday shopping, the less time you’ll spend planning and preparing a healthy meal.
For many individuals, this means a quick stop at the nearest fast food restaurant or shopping mall eatery.
Try these solutions:
• Be sure to get plenty of sleep (most ideal is 7 – 8 hours per night).
• Start your holiday gift shopping early rather than putting it off until the last minute.
• Sit down once or twice per week to plan out your dinner meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a snack before you go to a party so you’re not famished when you get there.
• Set aside some time to relax and de-stress (try just 15 minutes per day).
• Have fun baking your holiday goodies – freeze a few for yourself, then wrap the rest up as gifts for neighbors and coworkers.
• Limit specialty beverages that are loaded with sugar.
Take a minute to reflect on where you’re most likely to fumble. Now, set one or two goals to make sure you bounce back and protect yourself against those unwanted pounds!
