Staying on Track During the Holidays
Here we are again, well into the holiday spirit and everything
that comes along with it! During this time, a lot of people struggle with
staying on track and trying to figure out how in the heck not to derail. There are
plenty of temptations all over the place and it is always a challenge for even
ME to keep myself in the healthy zone! With all the parties, treats that you
all so kindly bring into the office, and even our own baking, it is easy to
slip up now more than ever. No worries, I am going to give you a few tips on
how to keep it in check from now til 2018!
Meal Prep
This is a great idea to start during the holidays and even
continue throughout 2018. The purpose of meal prep is to have healthy foods
available for you at any time. I typically try and do this on a Sunday and prep
it for the week ahead. I can easily pack stuff up for work and then have it
available for me when I get home! An easy example of this would be baked
chicken, veggies, and baked sweet potatoes. So, when the temptations start
rolling in, you have your healthy alternative waiting for you! Another good
idea is to have veggies cut up to snack on instead of going for the cookies in
the break room. If you have healthy options you can access, then it makes it
easier to stay on track!
Keep your workout routine!
Just because you are busy, have to shop, bake, and visit with
family and friends does not mean that you should skip your work out! We are
very lucky to live down south and have nice weather still! Get outside and move
around, take a walk with some friends at the beach, golf, ride your
bike-whatever it is you like to do, just make sure you continue to do it! When
I have family or friends in town, they know that they are either coming to work
out with me or staying at home and waiting--and most of the time they join and
feel better about it! Set your work out up as an appointment on your smart
phone-we all have these wonderful things and they can ding, beep, or sing to
let us know we need to get that work out in! No excuses, get out there and get
moving!
A little goes a long way...
Yes, I know, there are soooo many delicious treats at this time of
year that it is hard to say no every single time. I will give you this advice,
everything in moderation. If you want to try a cookie that aunt Sally made, go
for it, but don't go back and try 4 more! If I see something I want to try, I
will take half of it, have someone split it with me, or even just try a bite!
Trust me I love a good Oreo truffle ball at this time of year, but I know
if I eat 6 of them in one sitting, my waist line is going to pay for it! Try
your hardest not to overload on the sugar, your body and overall health will
thank you for it come January
Sleepy time!
I know, I know you are busy! If you can just wrap one more present
or get one more batch of cookies made before bed you will feel better...or will
you? Sleep is crucial for our bodies, it is our time to re-energize. Studies
have shown that getting 7-8 hours of sleep will benefit your overall health,
mood, immune system, memory, weight control, memory, overall LESS pain, lower
risk of injury, and clearer thinking throughout the day. During this time of
year more than ever, every single one of these is important to me as well as it
should be to you! Rest up!
Pain? Nah that will just go away...
Stringing lights outside, putting up a Christmas tree, shopping
for hours on end, bringing boxes down from the attic, the list goes on and on.
You get that little 'twinge' in the low back, 'tweak' in the neck, or strange
ache in the shoulder but don't have time to stop and think about it. Please,
listen to your body! Holidays are hectic for everyone, but taking 30 minutes
out of your day to get a chiropractic adjustment, grab a yoga session, or even treat yourself to a
massage will be worth it!
I hope these tips will be beneficial to you this time of year!
Have a safe and wonderful holiday with family and friends!
To Your Health,
Dr. Katie