Someone said something to me this week that really got me to thinking. She said, “I’m just going to wait until the New Year to try to get in shape and eat right.” What??? I so wanted to grab her into an enormous bear hug and squeeze that thought right out of her body. That made me wonder just how many folks think about the Holiday Season as an opportunity to let it all go, give up and just push their own health and well-being into the new year.
I would love to see everyone flip that switch this year. I would love everyone to look at the next month as the perfect time to take care of themselves, make the choices now that will leave them feeling fresh, energetic and positive as they ring in the New Year. I would love to see everyone flip that switch that leaves them feeling overwhelmed, lethargic, bloated and like they need to start an entire new fitness and or nutrition program on January 1.
This is a WONDERFUL season of too much of everything. There are delicious, home made treats offered, delicious meals created to celebrate the Season and I WANT everyone to enjoy those! I am all about good food and celebration – if you know me you know that. But, this year, I’d love to see you flip your switch and enjoy those indulgences intentionally. If you know you are going to enjoy those wonderful homemade sugar cookies with the delicious icing, make sure you eat them and enjoy them, and FORGET about that bag of chips, or fast food sandwich or sampling your child’s mac and cheese from the box.
I would love to see everyone flip the switch this year and take care of themselves by making that exercise class or taking that walk. Yes, it’s a busy time and yes, there is a lot to do. However, if you aren’t taking care of yourself and doing what YOU need to do to keep your energy level up and your stress level down, are you really going to enjoy the extra festivities? Flip that switch and realize that this is the time of year that you SHOULD get in your workout, even if it’s only 20 minutes.
This is the time of year to flip that switch and make sure you get enough rest. Maybe that means turning off the TV and getting into bed at a reasonable hour so you’ll feel your best on the evenings you do have parties and activities.
Flip that switch and don’t throw in the towel. If you know you have a dinner party or will be enjoying appetizers and yummy foods, prepare a healthy lunch like a huge salad with lots of great vegetables and a protein. Later, you will enjoy your evening out, the delicious foods intentionally.
Let this be the year you are NOT a statistic. I am talking about the statistic that says that folks gain from 5-10 pounds from October to January. I am not asking you to LOSE weight during the holidays. I am asking you to enjoy the time, celebrate and relish in all the goodies and good times. I am asking you to flip the switch on how you view this month and view it as a month to also take care of yourself in the process. Make those choices intentionally. If someone brings you a plate of homemade goodies, or you are at a dinner with a scrumptious specially prepared spread, of course you are going to eat and enjoy – it would be rude not to! So, do that with complete intention and absolutely no guilt. Just, please don’t follow it up with a fast food burger or packaged process junk.
Think about how you WANT to feel come January 1 and remember how you DO NOT want to feel. Take those steps right now to make that happen!
Enjoy Your Day!
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