And The Holidays Begin…

I ran to the grocery store yesterday to pick up a few items.  Little did I know that a special six-hour sale was going on complete with free samples on every aisle and employees handing out candy.  Apparently they were trying to purge the store of Halloween items to make room for the Christmas displays.  Christmas?  We haven’t even had Halloween yet!  And so it begins…the Holiday Season.

 

Christmas #19 - The Timberland Santa

 

The holidays are filled with many heart-warming things.  Family, friends, decorating, shopping, and of course, food.  Holiday eating can be stressful for many, especially those who are trying to lose weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle.  It begins with Halloween.  Candy, candy and more candy.  So much candy that it can last you all the way into Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving brings comfort food.  Mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, jellied cranberries, biscuits and butter.

 

Thanksgiving Reflections

 

 Then it’s time for the baking season that leads us into Christmas.  Cookies and breads everywhere you look.  Colorful candy dishes on every counter.  But it’s OK because January is coming and you have New Year’s Resolutions to start, right?

 

091/365 - hungarian christmas cookies

What if instead, we decided to write our resolutions now, before the holidays hit at full force?  Doesn’t it make sense to form a plan of attack so that we are on the offensive instead of constantly trying to play defense by resisting temptation after temptation?

I want to challenge you to sit down today or tomorrow and write down a few things.

1. What are your fitness goals?  Where do you want to see yourself in 3 months?  What steps will you take to get yourself there? (Example: My goal is to run a 5K race in January. I will begin the Couch-to-5K program on Monday)

2.  What are your holiday “must-haves”?  Decide what foods you absolutely don’t want to give up over the holidays and write them down here.  Make a list for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Then make a plan for how you want to savor those things.  (Example: On Halloween, I will eat a fun-sized Butterfinger and a fun-sized pack of Reeses Pieces.  On Thanksgiving, I will have a piece of pumpkin pie with Cool whip on top.  For Christmas, I will make a small plate of my favorite cookies and give the rest away).  Whatever you do, don’t try to resist everything or your will set yourself up for failure.

3.  Make a plan of attack for any parties that you have on your calendar.  If you know that you tend to overindulge at a certain party, eat a healthy meal or snack before you go.  Similarly, make a plan of attack for work if you work in an office with candy jars everywhere.  Keep chewing gum and healthy snacks at your desk to stave off cravings.

4.  Enlist a “health-buddy” to go on this journey with you.  Show each other your lists and keep each other accountable.  Try to find someone who can also be your workout partner.

5.  Learn some healthy alternatives for traditional holiday foods.  The internet is bursting with fresh ideas on holiday recipes.  Get out of your recipe rut!  Make a list of what you find and get cooking.

Jingle Bell Run

 

If you stumble along the way, don’t beat yourself up.  Come back to your written plan and start again.  Don’t let one overindulgence derail everything you are striving for.
And if you have questions along the way or need some inspiration, please contact me and let me know how I can help.  Let’s have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Be sure to check out my healthy Halloween tips on ABCNews.com

  • Marlon @MeInTheBalance October 30, 2010 at 3:58 am

    Wow… Good post! It's true…I tend to let myself over-indulge during the holidays and end up paying for it in the spring and summer. I'm seriously going to consider your challenge. Thanks!

  • Kasey October 31, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    Great post! I love the pumpkin patch photo!

    Also, I love the idea of making resolutions now before the holiday craze takes over and it's overwhelming.

  • Becca @ Our Crazy Boys November 1, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    Ahh! Look at you on ABC News!!!

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