It’s our favorite time of the year again. With the chill in the air and the smells of holiday foods, we couldn’t be more joyful for the things in our lives. But, it’s also one of the hardest times to stay on track with healthy eating. Between the stress of traveling and gift shopping, the last thing you want to think about is what you should and shouldn’t be eating on diet plans in Springfield Missouri. With family functions and holiday parties around every corner, you begin to get off track and feel that you’re just being pulled along for the ride.
Is it possible to make healthy choices during this time of year? Can you truly enjoy the holiday festivities without feeling deprived? Can you stay on track when temptation surrounds you? YES, the answer is yes to all of the above.
The temptation can be overwhelming when you are given an array of foods to choose from. No doubt you’re not going to be worrying about just the main meal but also the cakes, cookies, candies and pies that will be available. Do not be afraid. Always start with the things you know you should be eating. Get plenty of protein in foods such as meats and nuts. Don’t forget to fill up from the vegetable tray. This can be challenging but if you can start out with healthy foods first, you will likely eat less of the sides and desserts you are trying to stay away from. There is bound to be a healthy option somewhere. Maybe that salad tray that your aunt always brings to the party. If not, bring a healthier dish yourself. This year, you can be the trendsetter and bring the go-to platter everyone is grabbing from.
Watch out for the drinks that are being served. These always tend to take us by surprise. Consider that nice glass of wine, that cup of cocoa by the fire or that delicious homemade eggnog that you have been waiting all year to get your lips on. The carbs and sugars in drinks like this can add up fast. Water, water, and more water! Snag a festive water bottle from Wal-Mart and take it with you! You can always add a lemon or even fresh cranberries to your water for a festive infusion of flavor!
If all else fails brings snacks and drinks with you. Going prepared, especially when you do not know what is being served, is the best way to keep you on track. Packing nuts or a protein bar can keep those cravings away and carrying a water bottle means you always have a drink option.
If you do succumb to holiday temptations and overindulge (as we all have before), there is something you can do: Walk it out!
A study was conducted in 2016 from the University of Otago in New Zealand that showed walking for a short time after a meal can significantly lower blood sugar. Walking for only 10 minutes after a meal that contains a lot of carbohydrates can lower blood sugar by 22%. That’s impressive for a short 10-minute walk! You can also swing by Kare Health and Wellness to pick up your bottle of Diaxinol or GlycemaCORE. Both are great tools for carb-control, blood sugar regulation and metabolism boosting. Adding of these supplements to your daily routine can give you the support you need to stay strong and stay in control during the holiday season!
The temptation this time of year can be overwhelming. Don’t feel guilty about enjoying a treat but be mindful of how much and what you are eating. We all want a bite of the good stuff, just don’t let it consume you. Remember to get moving for 10 minutes after eating. This is your best defense after granny’s pecan pie! The choices you make will have effects that are longer lasting than the holiday parties themselves. If you are looking how to lose weight in Springfield Missouri, don’t let the holidays set you back. Keep your focus on staying on track through the holidays. Let good choices be the gift you give yourself this holiday season!
