Published to Newsletter on Oct 21, 2024
By: Reed Vawter
Are you tired of advice telling you to cut back on your favorite foods at Thanksgiving? Are you uninterested in skipping mashed potatoes and eating rice cakes instead? Here’s the simple truth: one meal or even one weekend out of an entire year is not going to make or break your health goals. The key is making sure that the indulgences of Thanksgiving last only for a few days rather than for all of November and December.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal but find consistency and balance in your routine during the rest of the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain:
Focus on people more than food: Family and friends are what truly make holidays special. Spend your time and effort visiting with those you love rather than visiting the buffet.
Don’t wait for the New Year to make a resolution: Looking to be more active? Start now. By setting your goals ahead of the holidays, it will help you stay focused on your health.
Control Stress: Holiday overeating can be triggered by the extra stress of the season. Schedule 30 minutes a day to read a book, practice yoga, or do whatever it is that helps you relax.
Avoid the candy bowl at work: Sugary snacks tend to multiply this time of year. Stash healthy snacks in your desk drawer to ward off hunger and help resist temptation.
Make fitness a social affair: Stay active by signing up for a holiday walk or fun run with your family or friends. You’ll share new experiences while burning off some of those extra calories.
Follow these tips, and you’ll spend the holidays adding memories to your life rather than inches to your waistline – all without giving up your special Thanksgiving meal.
And if you need help finding the right balance during the holidays, Benefits & Employee Wellness can help. We offer free fitness and nutrition consultations to help you build a personalized plan for your goals.
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