Did you know the average person gains weight between Christmas and New Year's Day? I guess you probably do, and it's almost become expected these days, but it can make those January blues worse for some people, especially if you've been on a weight loss journey.
That said, I don't want you to worry about Christmas / Holiday weight gain or stress about the upcoming festive season, and at the end of the day for many of us it's time to enjoy being around friends and family. However, if you're keen to maintain your weight loss or just don't want to feel sluggish and bloated once the festivities are over, here are six steps to help you thrive during the upcoming festivities:
1. Plan Your Indulgences.
We all have a favourite Christmas food / drink (mine is definitely puff pastry mince pies with thick brandy cream), but that doesn't mean we have to eat it in excess every time we see it during the holiday season.
Make a plan for yourself and stick to it, not forgetting to include drinks in this, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Decide where you will indulge and where you will pass, and when you're eating, really savour and enjoy it. You can even try eating more mindfully.
These days, most 'Christmas' or 'Holiday' foods and 'treats' are available year round (or you can learn to make them yourself), so you don't have to worry that this is the only time in the year these things will be available. This just leads to scarcity thinking!
If you eat 80% healthily, then there's plenty of room to indulge the remaining 20% of the time, and listen to your hunger/fullness signals. This approach will keep you satisfied yet still aligned with your weight loss goals.
2. Keep Moving.
Time gets really tight with all the shopping, cooking and parties that come up during the festive season, and you may be tempted to remove your exercise / movement from your daily routine. Don't do it! Sneak some movement snacks into your day so you can attend the festive gatherings without sacrificing your fitness. Your joints will thank you later! As little as 15 - 30 minutes a day can keep your fitness level intact and help keep you sane.
3. Practice Gratitude.
During the holidays, it's really easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of commercialism. If you tend to be over-scheduled like most people are at this time of year, it's easy to lose track of what's really important.
Create a daily gratitude practice so you can enjoy the festivities with a healthier and happier mindset. Write these down somewhere, and if you're comfortable to, post your daily gratitude on your social media. Your holiday cheer can also make an impact on those around you.
4. Set Mini Goals.
Hopefully you have some longer term goals, however it can often help to have some shorter, interim goals. You can set a goal just for the two-weeks of the Christmas Holiday period, or for the month of December (everything seems to start earlier and earlier these days)!! Keep your goal visible (maybe a post-it note in the kitchen), make sure it's SMART, and make sure it's something that you really want.
5. Set a Budget.
How many times have you received your January credit card statement and were scared to open it? None of your gift recipients want you to feel this way!
This year, develop a gifting strategy and budget so you don't overstretch yourself and become resentful when you receive those gut-wrenching statements. Especially with the huge hike in the cost of living, this is so important, and can have a direct affect on our wellness and wellbeing. Increased stress and worry can result in poor sleep, increased cravings and emotional eating, and poorer gut health.
Hint: shopping earlier may help you stay within budget, rather than a Christmas week sprint under pressure.
6. Stay in the Moment.
Commitments, crazy logistics, big commutes, family feuds, fruit cake smothered in Marzipan (something I detest)........ All of these things can seriously distract you and take you to a very dark and dreary place.
Follow a daily mindfulness practice so you can slow down and enjoy the festivities with your friends and family, or even just stepping out for two minutes to breathe and calm. You could even try an app to guide you like Headspace or Calm (I personally use Headspace but try several different apps out for yourself and see what works for you). Maybe give it a try in advance and see what suits.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Please note: This article is intended to be for educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or replace professional assessment or personalised advice.
I do not hold responsibility for the information on any links to external websites within this article and information within these links/websites may change at any time or no longer be accessible. Any website pages/links added are also for education purposes only.
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