5 tips to survive and thrive during the holidays

Hello, Chai Momma readers! It’s me, Parita from My Inner Shakti, again! I hope each of you is enjoying the last few days of 2014. It’ll be 2015 before we know it. So, the last time I was here I guest blogged about how every little bit counts when it comes to exercise. This time I want to share tips on how to survive the holiday season. A season that is filled with parties, delicious food, and not a whole lot of time.

Before I divulge more, I want to make an important disclaimer. I 100% believe that we should not obsess over a few extra holiday treats and indulgences. Instead, our time should be spent figuring out how we can squeeze in extra time with loved ones. With that being said, I am and always will be an advocate for healthy decision-making. Yes, even during this time of year!

Without further ado, here are my 5 tips on how not only to survive the holiday season but come out energized and happy.

1. First and foremost, don’t deprive yourself of your favorite holiday foods. Instead, take the time to really enjoy them. For example, I love holiday desserts…LOVE! So what I do is pick the dessert that’s screaming my name, sit down, and enjoy every little bite without distraction. Having a few treats here and there isn’t going to derail your progress.
2. Eat a healthy and filling breakfast every morning. A lot of people think skipping meals during the holiday season equals eating whatever they want later in the day. Not true! Skipping breakfast (or any meal) ultimately leads to eating too much later on. I love starting my day with a bowl of banana oatmeal and peanut butter or a protein smoothie full of chia seeds, spinach, and banana.
3. Move as much as possible. Take the stairs, park farther away from the stores, etc. Also, I know time is often of the essence during this time of year but really make a conscious effort to exercise more. Don’t press the snooze button and don’t wait until the New Year to commit to a workout routine.
4. Drink as much water as possible to stay hydrated, especially when drinking alcohol. I aim to drink half my body weight in ounces during the day and a glass after every adult beverage.
5. When attending parties, fill your plate with low-calorie foods first – veggies, fruit, salad. Once you’ve munched on a few healthy foods, assess your hunger and go back accordingly. Pick two to three indulgent items that stand out to you and (again) take the time to enjoy them.

The bottom line, like I said before, is that a few extra treats are not going to do any harm. If you eat too much one day, make better choices the next. Ultimately, the holiday season isn’t about food (shocking I know!). It’s about family, friends, love, laughter, reflection and my personal favorite, relaxation.

Thanks for having me again, Chai Mommas! It’s always a pleasure! And feel free to drop by my little corner of the internet and say hello.

Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!