[guestpost]Today we welcome guest blogger, Gretchen Holcomb. Gretchen is the newest addition to our team and has some excellent ideas to share with you about how we can enjoy the holiday season without neglecting our health.[/guestpost] There are three things about me that my loved ones all know about me: I always have a plan, I set goals for myself regularly, and I love helping others.
About a year and a half ago, I combined these aspects of my life to lose some weight, adopt new healthy habits, and lead some family and friends in this same initiative. When I started my health journey it became clear to me that if I wanted to lose weight I had to break some old bad habits and develop some new good ones. These are a few habits that have been essential for me to implement in order to achieve successful results.
Eat 6 small meals each day, balanced with lean protein and good carbohydrates.
Drink at least 100 oz. of water every day, or half your body weight in ounces.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 - 5 days a week. This can be as simple as walking.
Homemade pastry and roasted poultry on festive table
With the holidays coming up, it can be difficult to avoid the temptation of traditional dishes and delicate desserts. Here are some extra tips that have helped me along the way:
Focus on friends and family, not the food. Make it a goal or a game to learn 5 new things about 3 people at the party.
Stay out of the room where the food is, so you aren't tempted to graze. Just think "out of sight, out of mind!"
Eat before you go to the holiday party. Make sure the meal includes a balance of protein and good carbs.
Keep water close. Take a water bottle with you where ever you go.
Offer to bring a healthy snack to the party, like a veggie tray. This way you are sure to have at least one healthy choice at the event.
Although weight loss can be an added bonus to getting healthy, I find that when I practice healthy habits I sleep better, my heartburn is reduced, and I'm even able to focus and think more clearly throughout the day.
The first step toward health is educating yourself on the benefits of creating healthy habits. If you are interested in learning more about how simple, healthy habits can make a significant impact in your overall health, click here to support a new book, “Eat Well to Be Well,” from our friend and Registered Dietician, Jan Tilley.
HOMEWORK
Identify one of the tips provided and commit to practicing that habit over the holiday season. Comment below and let us know which one you choose so we can encourage you along the way!