Perrysburg Pulse Magazine Perrysburg Pulse November | Page 29

FIVE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY, HAPPY HOLIDAY I Brittany Dingler Fit Life Parenting is a health and wellness company with the mission to teach moms and dads the truth about health and how easy it actually is to create a healthy lifestyle that you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life! [email protected] t’s very easy to become consumed by the holiday season, to be so caught up in the planning, parties, and celebrations that our conscious mind tends to remove the thought of prioritizing our health. Since we know that the holidays are an uphill battle for our health, how do we stay health conscious while not feeling like we’re restricting ourselves to the point that we aren’t being present or enjoying the moment? Eat consciously and chew intently so your mind and body are completely aware of what you’re consuming. After you’ve finished a plate or treat, take a 10-minute break to reassess your hunger level instead of immediately reaching for seconds. Sometimes we just need to let our hunger cues catch up so we can realize that we’re not truly hungry, we just want that extra piece of food because it’s tasty. You don’t need to restrict yourself, and you sure as heck shouldn’t feel guilty if you overindulge on some of your favorite treats. Here are some of our best tips to help you stay health conscious while still enjoying the season with family, fun, and good food! Follow these five tips and give yourself the gift of health and happiness this holiday season! 1. MAKE EXERCISE A PRIORITY Often times, we start to neglect our exercise regimen as we become wrapped up with our daily tasks and demands. Keeping your exercise routine as a priority tops the list because even if you eat to the point of discomfort, exercising is a positive physical and mental stimulus to combat the emotions that follow overindulgence. 2. PROTEIN, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST If you’re going to consume some sweets, load up on protein, fruits, and vegetables before the goodies. These foods have a high satiety index and will help keep you full. So, if you do consume your favorite treats, you may not have the urge or room in your stomach to go back to the table twice or even three times. 3. BRING YOUR OWN DISH If you’re attending someone else’s celebration and worried there may not be many healthy foods for you to eat and enjoy, contribute by bringing a large salad, vegetable tray, or fruit bowl! By doing this, you can ensure you have a backup in case there are no other healthy options available to you. 4. PAY ATTENTION Overindulgence can very easily take place when we’re distracted. One good practice is to make sure you’re paying attention to the food you’re eating. Try not to eat while watching TV or while carrying on an in-depth conversation with someone. This will improve your self-awareness around how much you’ve eaten and help your body recognize the amount of food as well. 5. SLOW DOWN Eating too quickly can be a byproduct of distracted eating.