5 Tips for Healthy Holidays

Oh, the holidays!

That lovely time of year when our natural inclination is to curl up, rest more, do less, eat rich foods, drink and be merry. It's colder, it's darker and it's the season to be jolly which usually includes food. As a nutrition coach, one of the things I deal with a lot with clients during this season is balancing the social eating and not completely derailing their progress. Even still, it's not abnormal for those who are quite careful to put on a little extra.

Often, the extra isn't necessarily body fat. We often experience weight gain due to the high sodium foods, abundance of carbohydrates and more alcohol. We retain more fluids, have digestive issues and just feel "fluffy" in general.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to sail through the holiday season with minimal impact to your waistline and still enjoy yourself and the festivities!

1. Hydrate!!!
I don't know about you! but I really have to make a concerted effort to get all my water in during the cooler months. In the summer, it's no problem but when the weather is cold I would be happy to drink coffee all day. When you coffee and alcohol consumption go up, your water needs to go up too. I recommend a half gallon of water a day, minimum. Better if you can get closer to a full gallon. It seems like a lot at first, but trust me, your body will thank you!

2. Resist the urge to hibernate!
Get active, stay active. There are many days I just don't "feel it"...napping sounds like a much better idea. But I always feel better after I've gotten a workout in or gone outside for a brisk walk. Energy begets energy....move more to feel more energized!

3. Get plenty of sleep!
Not to contradict myself but you do need to make sure you're getting adequate rest. It's a matter of balancing activity, obligations and rest. The holidays are stressful and stress does NOT do a body good. The more rest you get, the better your metabolism, your digestive system, your brain and...your spirit...will function.

4. Moderation
Glorious foods abound during the holidays. Treats and goodies are everywhere right now and if you're not careful, and mindful, they will catch up with you leaving you with extra pounds come January. You don't need to diet your way through the holidays, but you do need a strategy. I recommend deciding beforehand when and where you will choose to indulge. Put some boundaries on it, especially if alcohol is involved as when our inhibitions are lowered we tend to eat more. It's ok to set limits on your food/alcohol intake. It's the healthy thing to do.

5. Dress Cute!
Obviously, you are in the right place for dressing cute! I must say, the tunics that are the style right now are perfect for almost any body type. And when you may be feeling a little bloated from holiday "fun" it's still important to dress cute. I know that the way I dress has a huge impact on how I feel about myself. If I'm feeling icky and puffy, it helps to put on a cute tunic with some leggings and boots that makes me look cute even if I may not feel it. It doesn't matter if your body is where you want it to be right now, you still deserve to look adorable!

If you can implement these basic tips this holiday season I think you will find you have more balance, more fun, more peace of mind and can roll right into 2015 without worry of "working off" holiday weight gain!