What is it about the holidays that makes our ‘already’ tight schedule even tighter?
- Anticipation of family coming to visit?
- Grocery shopping for those holiday favorites?
- Eating out more?
- Spending more time (and money) in stores
Maybe its all of the above…
What does not change during the holiday season is the importance of keeping the body fueled to its optimal levels by means of nutrition, exercise, sleep and time management!
Here are a few easy tips to keep ‘gas in your tank’ during the hustle and bustle this month:
#1 Don’t skip breakfast
The cliche’ really IS true. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
Having a solid breakfast is essential to jump starting any day on a good note and give the body the energy it needs to GO!
Remember coffee is not breakfast! An adequate breakfast contains and adequate mix of carbs, protein and fat. Eat breakfast within 2 hours of waking up to boost energy levels (not caffeine) and metabolism.
Here’s a sample of an easy breakfast that is filling and will fuel your soul, mind and body for a production day:
- 1/2 to 1 cup cooked plain oatmeal
- ½ cup of berries or top with other fruit of choice
- 1 whole egg
- 8 oz (1%, FF/LF/Soy – depending on tolerance) milk (either made with oatmeal or drink on the side)
This is an example of clean eating. A powerhouse breakfast packed with whole foods and nutrients!
Designed to jump start energy levels, metabolism and fill you up for several hours.
#2 Pack Healthy Snacks
Arm yourself for success! When your out for several hours, prepare so you don’t need to depend on restaurants when the hunger kicks in. Some easy snacks (that don’t require a cooler) are:
-
- granola bars (not all are loaded with sugar)
- nuts
- whole grain crackers
- snack bars that are a nice mix of carbs/protein/fat
- fruit
- dried fruit
I personally pack a cooler to add more options such as: yogurt, string cheese, perishable fruit, or cottage cheese. For me having blood pressure issues, eating out is a LAST resort.
#3 Pack Meals
Planning is everything!
This is my “rule of thumb”, When you anticipate being on the GO for both lunch and dinner, pack one of the meals so you avoid having to eat out twice.
Lunch is usually the easiest to pack. Then enjoy dining out for a sensible dinner
Packing a small cooler gives more options:
- Salads
- sandwiches (yes this can be just as healthy as a hot meal). Packing your own is definitely healthier than getting a sub at restaurant or grocery store
- fruit
- raw veggies
“Take away Message”
With just a little forethought into your upcoming day will make a huge difference in preventing the “holiday weight gain”
Knowing the ‘tricks of the trade’ to stay on track during the holidays are keys to:
- Enjoying the holidays
- Feeling free to eat what you want and not deprive yourself
- Not feeling overwhelmed and sluggish
- Preventing weight gain
Never lose sight of the “Matters that Matter” –
“Don’t Forget About YOU during the Holiday Season” and Eat Sensible while on the GO!
Not just for the holiday season, but also year round!
Sandra Recommends
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