Focus on Fun
Prep Healthy Meals
Forewarned is forearmed. Pre-made healthy food is your weapon against gluttony. During some down time, prep healthy grab-and-go meals or pre-cut ingredients for healthy family meals. Save your gluttony for parties and big, festive dinners—and enjoy every bite of all of it.
Exercise More
Less time, more stress. It's hard to think of adding more exercise to your already busy days, but you'll be glad you did—not only for the calorie burn but also for the stress relief and appetite suppression. You'll also be less inclined to indulge if you know you're already signed up for spin class the next morning.
Get More Than Enough Sleep
Sleep, like exercise, will keep your health on track during the holidays. You eat more insulin-spiking carbs if your brain isn't well-rested. So, sleep in when you can and go to bed early when you can. Also, take naps!
Plan Ahead
Plan your home meals ahead, as well as what you'll eat when you go out to parties or meals. If you've got back-to-back engagements, go for the lightest meal you can at the first and indulge at the second. Or the other way around.
Say No
If you begin to feel run down or if you've already had enough for one day, it's OK to say no. You don't have to attend everything you're invited to (even if you want to). You can always take a rain check. Pass on anything you're just iffy about, including the office Christmas party if it seems like more effort than it's worth. Or combine yes and no: Show up and leave early.
Don't Sit Near the Snacks
If you're the type of person who will eat if food is put in front of you, station yourself across the room from the food table. It's too easy to overindulge after mindless picking and snacking. And think about what you do choose to eat. Only pick up the stuff that's delicious. Don't think you have to finish every bite if it's just meh.
