Managing Your Holidays

Getting ready for the holidays can be a joyous time of the year. However, for some, it also can be quite stressful. The holidays can be even more stressful when you are trying to make good, healthy food choices. Parties and gatherings can cause many temptations and lead you off track . Having some clear cut guidelines can help you to make to best choices for yourself to have a successful holiday season. Below are some tips to help with managing your holidays.

Don’t let a bump in the road be the end of your journey
Hiccups happen–and that’s okay. What’s more important is picking yourself back up and continuing your journey. Many of you have heard me say “just because you have on flat tire, doesn’t mean you pop all four”.  Trust the process and keep moving forward. You’ve got this.

Don’t let insecure thoughts ruin something amazing
Insecure thoughts can creep in and make you feel like you can’t do it. But we’ll let you in on a little secret: you can! Keep your thoughts positive and your head held high and you’ll accomplish truly amazing things. Write positive affirmations on sticky notes and post them through out your house and office to keep you encouraged .

Do it for you
It’s time to take care of you. Of course your “why” might be for your children, or to go on longer walks with your dogs, but at the end of the day, do it for you. For your health, your happiness, and your overall quality of life. You deserve it.

When you feel like quitting, think about why you started
Don’t forget your “why”. Maybe it’s playing with your grandkids or finally being able to talk an 18-round golf course without getting winded. Whatever it is, if you start to feel like quitting, remember your “why” and keep moving forward. You can do it!

Write your reason why down and read it every morning when you wake up and every evening when you go to bed.

I am stronger than my excuses
Some excuses may feel strong and unshakable, but you are much stronger. Don’t let the negative thoughts let you stop the incredible progress you’re making. There are always reasons not to so remember your reason why to. You are unstoppable.

The way you speak to yourself matters
If you only say negative things to yourself, you’re only going to see things in a negative way. But if you change your internal narrative to have a positive outlook, you’ll start to see things a lot differently. Talk nicely to yourself and see all the positive changes begin to unfold.

A little progress each day adds up to big results
Rome wasn’t built in a day, it was built brick by brick. Take baby steps, build small habits, and soon enough, you’ll look back and realize you’ve gone a lot farther than you realized.

Make a plan (and stick to it!)
Creating a plan is one of the most powerful and effective ways to reach your goals. Putting a plan in place and sticking to it not only lays out a roadmap of your weight-loss journey, it also helps you stay on track and get closer and closer to your goals.

Take things one day at a time
You have the power to transform your life–but you can only do it one day at a time. Focus on today, live in this moment, and remember, if you have a setback, you can get back on track with your next meal.

Manage Stress
When you are under stress, your adrenal glands release a hormone called cortisol. Stress also ramps up ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetite and triggers the reward center in your brain when we eat. It may be hard to avoid stress, but here are a few tips that might help:

– Take a few deep breaths: Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This should help calm your mind and body when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
– Go for a walk: A change of scenery is a good distraction and can also help lower cortisol levels. It’s also an opportunity to clear your mind and regroup your thoughts.
– Make sure you’re getting enough sleep: Getting in enough zzz’s can pay off in improved mood, focus, and problem solving – all of which help alleviate stress

Drink Plenty of Water
Our bodies are made of about 60% of water. Like sleep, hydration is essential for the brain and body to work well. Key functions like regulating temperature, removing waste, protecting organs, carrying nutrients to cells, and lubricating joints all rely on water.

Grab your favorite water bottle and make sure to get plenty of water this season. If you are experiencing headaches, moodiness, and fatigue, you’re likely dehydrated, so drink up!

Fill up on veggies
With all the sweets and treats that tend to surround us during the holidays, one quick tip is to fill up on veggies. By loading your plate with nutritionally dense, flavorful foods, you’re likely to feel full longer and a lot less likely to reach for one of those sugary temptations.

Enlist Support
You’re not in this alone. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, or like you can’t do this, reach out to someone. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even your Ideal Protein coach, sharing your thoughts with someone else can help you blow off steam, gain a fresh perspective, and get helpful advice when dealing with a tough situation.

Focus on things you can control
In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, things can easily feel like they are getting out of control. Take a deep breath and think about some of the things you can control, like the food you put into your body and your mindset. Remember to stay on track, prepare healthy meals in advance, and think positive thoughts. You’ve got this!