Yuletide Tips for a Healthy Season

It’s the time of the year to celebrate and give thanks to our friends, family and colleagues as we close in on 2014. Gift giving and festivities with flowing food and drinks go hand-in-hand with the Yuletide season, or as I refer to it as the season of “the three O’s”… Overeating,Overspending and Overdoing.

Identifying the true purpose of the season is the first step to preventing the setback of three O’s.To help you get started, here are some of my tried and true tips …

Overeating

Before heading out to celebrate, drink a glass of water so that your stomach feels a little full & your body hydrated.
Don’t go hungry…eat before you go.
Set a limit to how many high-calorie drinks you will have.
Talk more! Set an intention on socializing, not eating.
Indulge in seasonal favorite treats & skip the store bought cookies.
Bring your favorite dish – this will guarantee there is something healthy for you to eat.
Choose wisely; scan the table before putting anything on your plate.
Be a food snob, if you don’t love it, don’t eat it.

Overspending

Make a list of people you will be giving gifts to and set a budget.
Don’t give in to temptation, stick to the plan.
Don’t wait until the last minute to shop; procrastinators usually spend more than intended.
Make handmade/homemade treats. They are a gift from the heart.
Avoid eating out after an exhausting day of shopping, stock the freezer with healthy, post marathon shopping meals that can be easily heated up.

Overdoing

Think before you reply, “yes” to an invitation; it’s ok to say no!
Don’t forget about “you-time”.

Exercise, eating well and getting your zzzzzzz’s are paramount to having an enjoyable yuletide season. By setting intentions and having a plan in place, the power is in your hands to make your holidays jolly, memorable and the gift that lasts a lifetime, MEMORIES!

Enjoy this revamped eggnog recipe sitting around the fireplace this season. Let me know what you think.