15 Dec Don’t survive, thrive through the Holiday Feasts!
Silly season is here! It’s the most wonderful time of the year and for many of us it’s a chance to catch up with loved ones, let our hair down and just relax.
You’ve been working so hard all year and you should be proud of all you have achieved. If you are concerned with what’s ahead and that you might undo all of your hard work – Don’t be! We are here to remind you that you are human, it’s ok to let loose occasionally. Our job at The Chief Life is to guide you to making the best decisions to continue your health and wellness journey at what every stage you are at.?
#1 The most important of them all – Eat with gratitude and love, don’t feel guilty!
Enjoy yourself, be happy, give thanks and gratitude – DO NOT…. We repeat DO NOT beat yourself up over a meal. Did you know that emotions can affect how you digest and absorb your food? Whatever it is you decide to do, just go with it. If you feel guilty or stressed during or after eating, you’ll send confusing messages to your metabolic processes. Your body won’t be able to break the food down properly and you’ll likely store more of it as fat (which majority of us do not desire).
#2 Keep Moving
You don’t have to go to the gym for a few extra hours a day to burn off those Christmas indulgences but don’t just throw in the towel either. Go for a walk outside, get some fresh air – hit the gym for a quick workout if that’s your thing but keep moving.
# 3 Plan your indulgence days
Each culture and family are different but generally there is less than a handful of feast filled days. More often then not we just extend it to a full week or two because there’s either too many left overs or we simply say ‘F*#k it’ we’ve already come this far. Pick the days you plan on going wild and use the days in between to balance yourself out and keep your hard work showing. You’ll feel less bloated and more energized as a result.
#4 Eat slowly until you’re satisfied and not stuffed
You all know to chew your food, but take notice of how you are feeling. Stop when you get to 80% full and you’ll avoid the unbuttoning of the pants post meal (I know you’ve been there at some point in your life – I have also – we’re human). Eating until satisfied will stop our stomachs from expanding/stretching and setting us up for failure after the silly season is over. Ever notice how it’s super hard to get “back into it” after the festivities because you’re always hungry and unsatisfied…. This is one of the reasons why.
# 5 Start with the Protein and Vegetables
Try not to snack too much, you won’t be able to fit anything in when it comes to the main meals. When the main meals are served fill up your plate with the protein and vegetables first. If you get in the protein and veg you’ll get the nutrients, you’ll feel fuller, you’ll eat less of the processed stuff and you’re less likely to have that post lunch crash.
Keep safe and enjoy the holidays. Lots of love The Chief Life xx
