STAYING HEALTHY THROUGH THE NEW YEAR
I love to share guest posts now and then and this week’s article comes from a guest blogger for EverydayHealth.com. Hope you enjoy her timely and true tips. And speaking of tips, don’t miss out on the BONUS infographic I share at the end of today’s post! There’s news there you’ll definitely want to share.
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TAKE CHARGE!Many of us wonder how we can get back into the habits of healthy eating and daily exercise after the indulgent excesses of the holidays. Holidays are a time that most people let loose and forget about their diets. This is very easy to do with family and friends visiting, holiday parties, and delicious desserts and dishes you can’t pass up. For a lot of people, the holidays are also a time for added stress, making sure all those parties and get-togethers go as smoothly as planned. With the added stress, this might mean that you eat even more than you originally would during this time of year. Many Americans gain the most weight between Thanksgiving and New Years. Even though an extra pound may be inevitable, there’s no reason why you should let the post holiday season leave you in a slump. Take charge of your physical and emotional condition this new year and resolve to get back on track!
1. Plan Ahead!
One way to prevent overeating in the first few months of the new year is to plan ahead. Planning your meals ahead of time and doing everything in advance will limit your stress when your stomach starts to rumble. Whether you’re at work, relaxing at home, or meeting friends out for a meal, it is important not to overindulge. Having a light snack, like fresh fruit, a salad, or a handful of nuts , or low fat yogurt will help your hunger subside throughout the day, making it less likely for you to gorge yourself during your meals.
2. Start Exercising, Now!
While many people give up on their exercise regimes during and after the holidays, don’t let this happen to you! Exercise is a great way to fight the extra weight gain during the holidays. It can help maintain your current weight and can also help you shed a few extra pounds when incorporated with a healthy diet. Take a workout class at the gym you’ve been wanting to take, spend an extra 15 minutes on the treadmill than you usually do, or add an extra day or two to your workout regimen. These few simple steps can save you a lot of pounds if you stick with it, especially during this time of year.
3. Limit your intake of goodies
Beware! There might still be remnants of holiday food and treats lingering in your kitchen. With delicious treats around, what seems like every corner, limiting your intake of these on a daily basis will keep you in control of your diet. Before you grab a second cookie, think about how much you really want another. Limiting yourself to one treat a day is a great way to stay in control but still feel like you can have a treat. When you find yourself reaching for a treat during times of stress, head towards a healthier option, like fruits and vegetables.
4. Socialize!
Socialize with your friends and family. While the holidays may be over, there’s no reason to put a stop to social gatherings. Have friends over and share your resolutions; schedule weekly walks in the park with a pal. If you keep a circle of friends who share the same commitment to healthy living as you do, your health goals are bound for success.
Cheers to a healthy, happy new year!
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Guest blogger Vanessa Morley is a registered dietetic technician and writes health blogs for EverydayHealth.com and its Calorie Counter.
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And here’s a bonus tip from the peeps at CASH STORE — did you know that healthier living can actually $AVE you boatloads of money? Check out the FASCINATING FACTS below!
How is healthier living going to save YOU money this year? Do tell!
