Give Yourself the Gift of Good Health this holiday season!

We are now in full swing with the holiday season! Too much shopping, too many holiday parties, too
little time….less working out and eating more. Oh Dear…and what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but an extra 10 pounds on my hips, thighs and rear! During the holidays, gift yourself time for exercise because
we all change our eating habits a bit during the holidays. We sometimes see this time of the year when
we can put aside our usual heathy habits because the calories don’t count!

While we’re totally on board with a little holiday indulgence, it’s not a bad idea to try and add some
healthy food and fitness-related activity to your routine to keep your energy high, your mood bright, and
successfully resist the urge to eat too much fruit cake! While it can be difficult during the holidays to
change your entire diet, to keep those pounds under control, change your portions. Eat half of the
amount that you’re normally eating. So simple. With all of the holiday parties you may not be able to
change what you’re eating, but you absolutely have control over how much you’re eating. Instead of a
large portion of pasta, slash that portion in half, and voila. Don’t starve yourself before going to that
holiday party. The hungrier you are, the less self-control you have. Eat slowly. Skip the liquid calories and
drink lots of water!

Practice self-care during the holidays. Give yourself permission to slow down. Get enough rest. Drink
water. Take a walk. Focus on making good memories. And Keep up Healthy Habits. So many of us rush
through the holidays and that’s when we can get stressed. Exercise is one of the best ways to avoid
dealing with stress. Gifting yourself even just a small amount of exercise can improve your mood. I know….time…but
even some light-intensity activity seems to be enough to reduce the stress that creeps in. It’s no secret
that exercise can produce powerful mood-boosting endorphins. Simply getting up and moving around
seems to help and even light physical activity is a great emotional benefit. For some, just getting started
is the key. Just remember, any activity is better than no activity for both physical and mental health.
When you exercise and relieve that tension from the holidays, you are taking care of yourself. You
become proud of your accomplishments and feel like a brand new you. And remember, enjoy the
holiday failures, imperfections, and things that don’t go according to plan!!

When you are thinking of gift giving, give yourself the gift of good health. Why not invite someone to
work out with you. Many times, others need that extra push with a partner to get motivated. How about
wrapping up a new pair of running shoes for yourself to open Christmas morning and then hit the
pavement! Give a matching pair to your partner or friend! Remember, fitness is one of the best gifts not under your tree!
May your holidays be balanced and bright.

If you’re in need of a place to work on those healthy habits this holiday season, we are open everyday (even on Christmas) and we would be happy to have you. We can help you start incorporating these new habits into your lifestyle.

Click HERE for more information.