Parkpoint Sonoma
Stay on Track Through the Holidays
Ashleigh Allen, Certified Personal Trainer, Parkpoint Sonoma
The holiday season will soon be upon us! This time of year can bring joy and excitement, and may also induce anxiety. Regardless of one’s relationship with health, fitness, and nutrition, the holidays can be a challenging time to balance discipline and indulgence. Here are eight tips to help you stay disciplined during the holiday months:
- Set clear (and reasonable) goals. Define specific achievable goals for the holiday season. Whether it’s maintaining a workout routine or sticking to maintenance calories, having clear objectives will keep you focused.
- Plan ahead. Create a holiday schedule that includes time for exercise and healthy meals. Planning can help you avoid last-minute decisions that might derail your discipline. In addition, planning out meals and healthy snacks ahead of time will ensure less cravings because your body is being properly fueled.
- Prioritize sleep. The holidays can be busy, but prioritize getting enough rest. A well-rested mind and body are more resilient and better equipped to handle temptations.
- Practice mindful eating. Enjoy holiday treats, but do so mindfully. Pay attention to portion sizes and savor every bite. This approach can help you enjoy the season without overindulging.
- Stay active. Incorporate physical activity into your holiday plans. Whether it’s a family walk, a holiday dance party, or a winter sport, find ways to stay active and make it fun.
- Limit temptations. If you know certain treats or situations lead to overindulgence, set boundaries. Don’t keep tempting snacks at home. Also, eating a well-rounded meal of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates prior to events can limit desire for sweet treats.
- Stay connected. Share your goals with friends or family members who can support you. Having an accountability buddy can keep you motivated and on track.
- Reflect regularly. Take time to reflect on your progress and feelings. Acknowledging both successes and challenges can help you adjust your approach and stay committed.
These strategies can help you enjoy the holiday season while maintaining your discipline! Now, here are three sweet treats that taste indulgent, but are still high in nutrients and lower in calories.
Oven Roasted Peaches. The sweetness of the peaches is emphasized by the cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar. Honey could be substituted for brown sugar if you’d prefer! You can add Greek yogurt or walnuts to increase the satiety of the dessert. Here is a recipe: https://belleofthekitchen.com/roasted-peaches/
Strawberry Cake Cup. For this recipe, you will need either small dessert cups or angel food cake for the base layer. Break your cake up into pieces and place at the bottom of a cup or bowl. Next, finely chop ¾ cup of strawberries. You can add a small amount of sugar to sweeten the strawberries, but it’s not necessary. Add your strawberries to the cup and then top with 2-3 tablespoons of Cool Whip.
Healthy Banana Bread. This banana bread uses honey instead of sugar and allows the natural sweetness of the bananas to come through. Also, this is an easy way to get rid of any extra bananas! Here is a recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/healthy-banana-bread-recipe/#tasty-recipes-23985-jump-target
