Welcome to the Holiday Season! It’s a time filled with parties, shopping, and running around like a maniac to get it all done. When schedules get stretched thin, often taking care of ourselves is the first thing to go. But with the average person packing on an additional 1-5 pounds between Halloween & New Year’s, this can spell trouble for those with weight loss goals. The good news is, there are some fairly simple tips that can help keep you on track during even the busiest of days.
Don’t skip meals. Especially breakfast, which wasn’t dubbed “The most important meal of the day” for no reason. Skipping breakfast can lessen focus and productivity, and leave us dragging through a demanding day. Skipping meals later on can also make it more likely that we will resort to less nutritious foods to satisfy nagging hunger pangs. Keep some nutritious, high protein snacks on hand in case your next meal gets delayed.
Shop smart. Be prepared when you go shopping, so you don’t end up forgetting a vital item in your nutrition plan. Pick your shopping times wisely as well, so you don’t waste time in a crowded store. Utilizing one of the many grocery delivery options available these days can also make sticking to your grocery list, and schedule, more likely.
Eat mindfully. In other words, stop multitasking for long enough to enjoy your meal or snack. There is a growing body of research that indicates that distracted, or “mindless eating” is a contributor to expanding waistlines. More information on the practice of Mindfulness, and its benefits, check out our video library.
Drink up! Water, that is. In the hustle and bustle of the day, it’s easy to forget to drink enough fluids. Dehydration can not only lower energy levels and concentration, but it can can feel much like hunger, and lead to unnecessary snacking. While drinking plenty of water can support our weight loss efforts, drinking alcohol can do the opposite. So stick with that water bottle!
The moral of the story here is, taking small steps to care for yourself can make getting through busy times much easier and healthier. For more tips, speak with your Nutrition Specialist today!
