Holiday survival made simple

It is that time of the year again – festivities, parties, get-togethers, social events, shindigs, or merrymaking are the norm and sometimes the expectation. Regardless of what you call it or how you celebrate, it is the holiday season and that all too often means one thing – overindulgence!

Many of us have made grand plans and efforts throughout the year to make great choices and reach our wellness goals. Now is the time of year where the rubber meets the road and it may become difficult to continue those trends. There is good news! I urge you to make time to celebrate and enjoy the good company of friends and family at holiday parties and festivities. Just because you are trying to be mindful of your health and wellness doesn’t mean you need to avoid holiday celebrations, you can work healthy eating into the holidays by being calorie conscious and focusing on balance and moderation.

Here are a few tips to help you through:

1. Be realistic. Trying to lose weight during the holidays may be self-defeating and difficult. Instead, try focusing on maintenance rather than huge weight loss goals – maintain, don’t gain.
2. Bank calories. Eat smaller, lower-calorie meals and snacks during the day so you can enjoy party time without overdoing it or blowing your calorie intake for the whole day. I do not encourage binge eating, but enjoy a lighter lunch or skip the afternoon snack if you are attending a dinner party later and feel you may overdo it.
3. Don’t go out hungry. Eat a small snack before you leave for a party. Just as Mom always said not to buy groceries when you are hungry, the same goes for attending a party. Those hunger pangs can sabotage even the strongest of wills when faced with rich, indulgent party fare.
4. Have water with your drinks. If you choose to drink alcohol or rich, calorie-laden holiday drinks, have a glass of water with each one and do not refill until the water is gone. Not only will this save on empty calories, but also keeps your alcohol intake slowed so you may enjoy the festivities and stay in control.
5. Bring better food choices. If you bring a dish to a party, make it delicious and healthy. No matter what is available, you know there is at least one good choice you can make to fill your plate and stomach.
6. Modify your recipes. When you are entertaining, make slight modifications to create lower-calorie, lower-fat, or lower-sugar options. Chances are neither you nor your guests will notice the difference.
7. Make time to move. Physical activity is a good way to burn calories and prime your metabolism before attending any festivities. A walk outdoors is a great way to promote digestion and take in some of the holiday season after.

Last and most importantly, ENJOY YOURSELF! Forget the all-or-nothing mindset and focus on balance and moderation. It is fine to not make ‘perfect’ choices and depriving yourself of special foods or treats during the holiday season will either make you crave them more and lead to a binge or feel guilty if you do partake and spoil your festive spirit. So get out there and enjoy those get-togethers, enjoy the food and drink, enjoy moderation, and have the happiest of holidays!

Have Questions?
Campbell County Health's Wellness Department works to reduce health risks and promote overall wellness among employee groups and individuals across the northeastern Wyoming region. To learn more about Wellness, please visit ccmh.net/Wellness or call 307.688.8051.

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Give the gift of wellness this holiday season!
Looking for a responsible, practical and healthy gift to give your loved ones this Christmas? Our healthCHECK+ screening program is offering holiday specials and gift cards so you can wrap and place the gift of wellness under the tree. All these specials do not require a physician order.

• Wellness Panel - $25
• PSA - $25
• CBC - $10
• Hemoglobin A1C - $35
• Special screening packages for men’s and women’s health, seniors, diabetes management and more

All testing is available Monday – Friday, from 6-11 am at 1901 Energy Court, Suite 115. Just call Santa’s helpers at: 307.688.8051!

This blog was written by Troy Stevens, CCH Wellness Specialist.