Can you believe the holiday season is fast approaching? I don’t know if it is just me, but it seems odd, Christmas advertisements and decorations appear the day after Halloween. Although I realize this is done to maximize holiday season retail, all the more reason to slow down, be present in the moment, and enjoy each day and each season to the fullest. Take time to pray each day and to practice gratitude for all of your blessings. Participating in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Therese of Lisieux on Thursdays is a good opportunity to pray, meditate, talk with God and be quiet. Taking time from the “busyness” of our everyday lives will calm your mind and give you a sense of peace. Take time to enjoy each day with the people you love and make a conscious effort take care of your mental and physical health.
Taking care of your physical health during the holiday season can be a challenge. Not only does the cold weather deter us from walking outside and partaking in other outside activities , we tend to want to snuggle in our houses, and not exercise like we do in the nice weather. Make a conscious effort to maintain some type of exercise in the cold months, be it working out at a gym, participating in the St. Therese Stretch and Strength classes, walking at a mall or store, or just stretching or exercising at home.
During the holiday season, it’s hard to resist all of our favorite foods and treats at friends and family gatherings, but if you follow some tips, you will enjoy healthy nutrition and maintain your weight:
- Eat breakfast. Studies show people who eat breakfast take in fewer calories during the day.
- Plate it. Putting food on a plate rather than grazing at a holiday party, helps you be more mindful of what and how much you are eating.
- Portion Control. Grab a smaller plate to help manage the temptation to put more on your plate than you need.
- Try new foods and drinks. There are many “new” foods and snacks available at the stores that are healthier than our old “standbys”. Get in the habit of reading labels before you buy food and choose wisely.
- Drink lots of water and avoid caloric drinks
- Start with veggies. Eat a few healthy vegetables first to curb your appetite.
- Choose proteins. Nuts, low-fat dairy, legumes, and lean meat in healthy portions will help you feel full.
- Skip it. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it!
- Slow down. It takes your brain time to receive the signal that you are full, so slow down and enjoy each bite.
- Wait before eating “seconds”. If you wait 10 minutes, you’ll feel more full and the temptation for seconds will pass.
- Focus on a few bites. The first bites are the most satisfying; so enjoy and savor them without thinking you need to eat everything on your plate.
- Be a little brave. Experiment with new flavors and seasonings; you might find some new healthy traditions.
- Share your good health and eating habits with others. If you are trying to eat better and maintain a healthier lifestyle, chances are your family and friends are also trying to do the same thing. If you are preparing dinner or hosting a party, put some time and effort into selecting and preparing “healthier” food. This includes more protein and less carbohydrates and fat. Avoid frying foods, substitute sweets and desserts with fruit, and avoid foods loaded with calories.
Reference:
- The Church Health Reader/Fall 2019