Tips To Stay Healthy & Focused On Your Goals This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us! Although there won’t be any big family gatherings or Christmas parties this year, it’s still a time to celebrate and enjoy! This time of year can easily throw you off your game and make you lose focus of your weight loss and health goals – but it doesn’t have to! Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy and on track this holiday season!

1. Eat a healthy diet – Focus on eating balanced meals and snacks each day that include lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains. Include foods that are high in fibre and antioxidants/nutrients and lower in saturated fats/sugars. Don’t skip meals – especially on the day that you’re planning your holiday meal. Include smaller meals and snacks throughout the day leading up to your festive dinner. This will help prevent overeating and keep you on track.

2. Exercise – bundle up and enjoy the season! Get out for a walk or hike with the family or a friend and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Try snowshoeing, outdoor skating or cross-country skiing! Staying active will help keep your mind of food and your weight in check and the fresh air will help reduce stress and boost your mood. If your gym is open, get in for a workout as often as you can.

3. Snacking – this time of year brings lots of chocolates, baked goods and sweets to office and to the home. Be mindful of how much you’re enjoying and how often, do your best to keep the snacks out of reach and out of sight! Have healthy snacks available at all times – things like fruits, cut up vegetables, nuts/seeds and healthy bars are great to have on hand. Enjoy in moderation!

4. Portion control – it can be easy to overindulge in your holiday favourites, however, all of these extra calories can cause weight gain. Try using smaller plates or measuring out your food to ensure that you’re having proper serving sizes. Do your best not to go back for seconds and don’t be afraid to say “no thank you”.

5. Mindfulness – take a time out when you’re having your meals and snacks. Sit, relax and enjoy your food. Chew it thoroughly and pay attention to your body’s fullness signals. Sometimes distractions can cause you to overeat.

6. Watch liquid calories – during the holidays, there are lots of fun beverages to be enjoyed – eggnog, hot chocolate, festive lattes and alcohol. Do your best not to drink your calories, be mindful of how much and how often you’re indulging. Enjoy in moderation! Drink lots of water – stay hydrated!

7. Sleep well – get into a good sleep routine while you’re on Christmas holidays and allow yourself to get the hours of rest that your body needs each night.

8. Reduce stress - the holidays are filled with lots of fun and cheer, but they can also be stressful, especially since there won’t be any family gatherings this year. Try to find time each day to enjoy the little things, to unwind and relax. Set up phone calls or video calls with friends and family that you won’t be able to see this year – laugh, reminisce and celebrate the season!

Christmas only comes once a year, so enjoy all of the little things that it offers! Just be mindful of what you’re indulging in and how often – and don’t be too hard on yourself. Stay active and keep focused on your goals. Have a date set to get things back on track after the holidays – what are your health and wellness goals for the New Year?!

If you want to make a healthy change in the New Year, check out Thrive's online nutrition programs! Contact Steph, registered holistic nutritionist, for program details!

Tips For A Healthy Easter!

The Easter Bunny will be here soon with a basket full of chocolate and treats! Are you ready? Here are some tips to help keep you and your family on track this

1. Make sure you eat your regular meals through the day. Don’t skip breakfast in order to save your appetite for your Easter meal and chocolate! You don’t want to show up starving.

2. Offer to bring something healthy and delicious to your Easter meal that you and the other guests can enjoy guilt free. There are so many healthy recipes out there!

3. If you are hosting your Easter gathering, find some healthy and yummy recipes that you and your guests will enjoy. There are lots of cute Easter ideas!

4. Go easy on the apps. Focus on healthy light apps vs. The calorie dense/rich apps. Save your calories for the actual meal. Focus on conversation and company vs. the food table.

5. Don’t be afraid to say “No Thank You”. Just because the food is there or offered doesn’t mean you have to eat it.

6. Savour every bite. Eat slowly, chew and enjoy your food and the company. This will not only help you eat less, but it will also help with digestion.

7. Focus on lean protein and veggies. Go light on foods that may pack a lot of calories/carbs - casseroles, dip/sauce/gravy, mashed potato, rolls, etc. Don’t avoid them if you want them - enjoy in moderation.

8. Be mindful of your serving sizes and skip going up for seconds :)

9. Pick and choose what you want to enjoy! If you know there’s a piece of pie, a hot cross bun or some chocolate calling your name, maybe skip the potato or roll with the meal. Don’t deny yourself, everything in moderation!

10. Watch your liquid calories! It’s ok to enjoy a few drinks over the holiday. Just make the best choices possible and be mindful of how much you’re consuming.

11. Make time for exercise each day. The weather is getting warmer! Get out for a family walk, hike or bike ride and enjoy some fresh air.

12. Go for healthier chocolate! Look for something high in cocao (75% or higher) - lots of antioxidants and health benefits :) Skip the cream eggs and milk chocolate!

13. Get creative with your kids Easter baskets! Include a few Easter treats, but fill most of the basket with other fun things they will enjoy - skipping ropes, colouring books, stickers, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, puzzles, water guns, play dough, kites and beach/sand toys. So many fun ideas!

14. Don't let the Easter treats linger! Once Easter is over, get rid of the chocolate and temptation. Share them with friends, family or take them to work and share with your co-workers.

15. Drink lots of water throughout the day to keep hydrated.

16. Enjoy your Easter weekend and know that you will be back on track and into routine once the festivities are over :)

If you need a little support to help you get back on track and reach your goals, contact Steph, registered holistic nutritionist, to learn more about Thrive’s programs!