exercisers who show self-compassion after an interrupted routine do better at getting back on track with their exercise goals. if you over-indulge at a holiday party, give yourself a break, and plan to regain control the next day.
planning is key to healthy eating and staying active . if the great outdoors inspire you, plan a few outdoor activities each week, but have a few indoor activities as a backup should mother nature have plans of her own.
if numerous parties threaten to derail your healthy eating habits, plan on a small, protein-rich snack before heading out. it may seem silly to eat before , but a pre-party snack will keep you satisfied and less likely to overeat when you’re there.
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using a small-sized plate for snacks may actually trick your brain into thinking you’re eating more and leave you feeling fuller compared to using a large plate .
be creative about sneaking in some ways to add activity time to your festivities.
stick with a few elements of your routine to make getting back into the swing of things easier after the holidays.
to keep your stomach connected with your brain as you eat, try mindful eating — the practice of being fully present while savouring each bite.
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by picking activities and healthy foods that you enjoy, you’re more likely to stay active and eat healthy. when you choose activities that make you feel good, you’re more likely to come back for more, so even if you do some intense exercise, build in time for a relaxing cooldown
to stay on track while enjoying some holiday cheer, familiarize yourself with actual serving sizes for alcoholic beverages , and follow each alcoholic drink with sparkling water or another non-alcoholic beverage.
while the holiday season can be a whirlwind, take time to prepare your own foods as much as possible. by diy-ing meals, you can create healthy alternatives to holiday favourites .
and while you’re at it, get the kids involved in whipping up the holiday feast — kids who learn how to cook gain skills beyond food prep that they carry into adulthood .
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music can help motivate you to persist in and enjoy exercise , so crank up the boney m. christmas tunes while you run on the treadmill — find music you like and you’ll find it easier to get moving.