During the holidays it can be downright impossible to stay on a diet plan. In fact, the occasional diet blunder is bound to happen once in a while. The holidays are a time for celebration and few of us celebrate without food. Fortunately, all is not lost if you do happen to go off your diet now and again. Here are some easy ways to get over holiday diet miss haps that can help you get back on track just in time for New Year’s.
1. Opt for maintenance. As hard as it can be to lose weight it’s even tougher to do it from November to January. Studies show that Americans gain 80% of the weight they gain all year during the holiday season. So, avoid putting undue stress on yourself this season and opt for maintenance instead of weight loss. If you can maintain your weight you’ll have a head start in losing less when the holidays are over.
2. Reduce stress. With the gift giving and holiday hosting the holidays can add up to major stress which can encourage overeating. This year, plan to take on less; pile up on the me time and schedule ways to enjoy yourself more often. It can help you reduce stress and eat less.
3. Keep your commitment to exercise. While eating more this time of year is a given, giving up exercise isn’t. November is the perfect time to recommit yourself to a regular exercise routine to help you stay on target to reaching your goals and burn up some of those extra calories.
4. Realize you’re more than a number on the scale. Beating yourself up because the scale is not moving or moving in the wrong direction is only going to make things worse. Remember that in the long run your goal is good health and a fit body not just a target weight or dress size.
5. When you slip up give yourself a break. Fretting over every extra calorie or crying over an extra piece of pie is counterproductive. It’s not the end of the world. Look for other opportunities to make a healthy choice and move forward from there.
A healthful lifestyle through good nutrition and exercise is a lifetime commitment but no one can be perfect all the time. A little bit of indulging during the holidays won’t break the bank as long as you practice moderation.
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