This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.
The thing about the holidays is that they seem to arrive on the scene in the form of a big ole party buffet.
And a party buffet – oh, it can be tempting. The temptation probably has something to do with all the dip and the bread (THE BREAD!) and the sweets and the nuts that have been roasted in three or fourteen sticks of butter.
Those nuts are DELICIOUS, by the way.
But here’s the thing that I’ve learned as I’ve gotten a little older: it really isn’t fun to be indulgent all the time. There’s a price to pay for loading up a plate with a whole bunch of not-very-healthy foods. Because while yes, it might all be very tasty and wonderful in the short-term, in the long term it’s not so great. Besides the fact that I rarely sleep well when I’ve eaten a whole bunch of super-rich food, there’s also the consequence of feeling bloated the next morning.
And believe you me: I have enough issues with morning as it is. I don’t need to add ill-fitting clothes to the equation.
The good news is that there are several things that we can do to avoid a chronic bout with holiday-related bloat. Even better? These tips are SUPER simple. Seriously.
Ready?
1. Water. We need to be drinking lots of it. In fact, I’ve realized over the last few years that when I feel like I’ve had enough water, I need to drink even more. It fills us up, keeps us hydrated, and it never, ever causes a hangover. I’m convinced that it’s a huge part of conquering the tendency to put on five or ten pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Water is our friend – our holiday BFF, if you will.
2. Vegetables. Vegetable platters are a feature at almost every holiday get-together. And I happen to think that it’s way better to fill up on vegetables dipped in a little bit of your favorite salad dressing than it is to avoid the food table altogether. Not eating anything at all will only make you drink more, and if you’re drinking alcohol, “more” isn’t a very good idea at all. A hearty snack of raw vegetables will temper any tendency you have to fill up on drinks – and it might even keep you from making a post-party run through a nearby drive-thru. Because let’s face it: trying to be the “strong one” who doesn’t eat a single bite at a party is probably going to lead to some super-sized French fries at the end of the night.
Not that I’ve ever done such a thing, of course.
Oh heavens no.
3. Move. This one is definitely the hardest for me. When it’s cold outside I tend to be drawn to activities like watching TV, napping, sitting in front of a fire, napping, drinking beverages with the word “mocha” in them, and napping.
You may sense a bit of a pattern.
But here’s the thing: making time to move every day is the single most important thing we can do, especially during the holidays. Sometimes the combination of gray weather and holiday treats and Christmas parties can take a toll on us physically as well as emotionally. It’s so good for us to get outside (if weather permits) and take a 20-minute walk. It makes a world of difference in our outlook, our metabolism and our energy level.
And when I find myself feeling drawn to the couch on a winter afternoon – when I think that a nap sounds like the best thing on earth – that’s a sure sign that it’s time to grab the dog’s leash, bundle up my little guy, and head outside. It’s the best free medicine on earth.
Now it’s your turn! Share a tip on how you stay healthy during the holidays and you could win a $150 Visa card! Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry. You should also visit The Daily Dose of Well-Being hub to read helpful content each day and for weekly chances to win $100 at the “Play For Laughs†game. If you share a really great tip, we may even use it in The Daily Dose!
And don’t miss the other bloggers’ posts – you have 17 other chances to win each month!
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Happy Laughing Cow, everybody!
Try to get enough sleep… I never feel well when I am sleep-deprived.
I love to try everything but I always try it in small amounts!! Moderation is key!
I’m trying to drink more water and eat more fiber.
I’ll echo your tip to take a 20 minute walk – weather permitting – when possible. After those big family meals, it’s nice to get outside, get some fresh air, and get moving.
Drink orange juice and take vitamins to fend off those nasty colds!
At holiday parties, I take tiny portions of all the sweet things I want to eat. If it’s not utterly delicious after that small piece, then I don’t go back for more!
I try not to snack so much and if I know a big family gathering is happening where a lot of food will be consumed, then I make an effort to eat extra healthy the week or so before. I also find when I eat healthier and limit my meal portions, I get fuller a lot faster.
During the holiday season especially (but really any time of year) we try to focus on eating good, healthy meals, low on carbs throughout the week, then on the weekend we splurge with a meal out, favorite dessert or appetizer, even pizza. This helps to balance things out!
I just try to make the best choices at whatever event I am attending. Usually there are at least one or two healthy foods at any gathering!
I like to go for a walk after a big meal. I don’t feel so miserable! :)
Ration the Egg Nog. (It’s a good thing they don’t sell that stuff year round.
I try to stop eating when I’m full, and not just eat because it tastes good. I try. The holiday sweets get me every time.
For me, I find that the more I understand the “why” behind the “eat this, don’t eat that” rules (which, i hate rules)..then the easier it is to follow them. So, knowing nutrition facts and calorie counts are extremely helpful to me. Suddenly it doesn’t become an awful hatred towards “don’t drink 15 mochas in a day” statements, but rather an awareness of “oh, so one mocha is 300 calories, so 15 mocha is 4500 calories. Yeah, i should avoid that.”
Anyways, I’ve found that livestrong.com’s “my plate” tool is very helpful for me. But i know there are other sites out there that provide similar help.
So, what i’m trying to say among my rambling is…tracking calories/nutrition could be helpful for some people.
You are so right, water is the key! I tried to drink as much water as possible leading up to and after Thanksgiving, and I felt much better and ate less, so I’ve tried to keep up on the water-drinking. An added bonus: my skin looks smoother and has been break-out free!
Eat before you go to the party or sit down to the feast!
Drink lots of water and try to exercise regularly!
Water, moderation, and even a little activity each day. I can’t deprive myself during the holidays. :)
I am trying to up my water intake, but it is so hard when there is eggnog in the frig.! I have cut back on sugar (except for the eggnog, there is no sugar in the house) and flour, so no baked goodies for me :(
I try to never skimp on sleep – my immune system gets weak if I don’t get the rest I need.
I have been trying to drink alot more water during the day and make healthier food choices.
ALWAYS eat breakfast and stay hydrated!
I have found keeping salty and crunchy healthy snacks with protein obn hand helps me not gain as much. If they are easy to grab I will avoid the other goodies. Most of the time anyway. :-)
I feel like I’m the absolute LAST person that needs to be giving a tip but I do find I always make better choices during the day if I’ve had my Quiet Time in the morning!
REST got to get a few good hours of it for sooo many reasons!
Staying active just like you said. I walk several times a week all year, but when winter comes around, it’s very hard for me to get outside and do it. I find, however, if I just bundle up and get past the first freezing 10 minutes, my body warms right up and I’m able to complete my walk!
Portion control! That way I can still have a little bit of everything I want.
Sleep is critical for me. If I’m overly tired, I tend to think I’m hungry rather than just needing sleep.
SLEEP! We ALL need it in my family. When the kids don’t get it they suffer … when momma doesn’t get it we all suffer! So we maintain our schedules as much as possible and limit our “yes” during this busy season
I am trying to drink as much water as possible. If I know I will be going to a Christmas party with wassail and great desserts, I try to budget my calories. Oh boy, is it difficult sometimes!
Drinking water and eating something healthy before a party so you don’t fill up on the sweets and unhealthy stuff.
I’ve not thought about it much in the past but 2010 has been the year of the gym for me and if my foot heals up from my recent surgery then I miagine I’ll be shedding a lot of calories at the gym this Christmas.
I do all of the holiday work before Thanksgiving. That leaves the Christmas season for the fun stuff. Stress free= healthy me!
Water and exercise!!
I do a daily exercise with Guilad on the fit tv channel. 30 minute exercise! Simple,easy and you fell wonderful.
As much as I love to bake, I try to hold off on the baking unless it’s required for a party. Otherwise, I will get so caught up in the season that I’m constantly trying to bake deliciously unhealthy treats!
I try to stay away from having more than one big meal a day. We will have abig lunch at one house and then jsut a few finger foods at the next house for supper. That way we can still get out fo bed the next morning :)
Everything in moderation and lots of running!
Small portions of lots of things, drink water, and try to get to bed at a decent hour!
I know that I am going to indulge so I just do it in moderation! and I try to not have too many treats just sitting around the house.
I try to eat a light lunch on the day of an evening party, so I can “save my calories” for the good stuff. But, I stick to small portion sizes of the good stuff so as not to overdo. Also, I take the stairs at work, and often walk to lunch when the weather is mild enough.
I eat a lighter lunch or dinner, on the day of the big feast. I also drink water with every meal. I do miss the tea and soda, but it was getting out of hand.
My husband and I just joined the local YMCA. I no longer have my 18 month old to blame for my not going to the gym. He loves the kid’s play area and it should help us get MOVING this holiday season.
Drink lots of water, try to get more sleep than usual, and keep up my work-outs! (it’s so tempting to skip, though!)
Rest, eat something healthy every few hours so I don’t go overboard at meal time. Plus try not to stress b/c the holidays are over before you realize it! You have to make time to enjoy it before it is gone.
walk alot!
Saying no to a few more snacks, sweets and people.
Drink lots of water to stay full so I eat less.
Water, fruits and veggies, exercise and lots of rest!!!
Honestly, it is making sure I don’t forfeit my quiet time for sleep or other ‘doings’. If I don’t have my time with my Lord, …well,…I don’t even really have a single word to describe it – it is more like mom run amuk. I’m just ugly, mean and cranky – doesn’t matter how much water, exercise or rest I’ve had. Spiritually unhealthy is truly deadly for me – and anyone in my path. Not that I would know any of this from recent experience or anything. I’m just saying.
Sleep – this is actually fairly easy because when it gets dark early and is cold outside, I can easily sleep more than my usual summertime 6 hours.
Food – if I cook heathy foods, then I only eat healthy foods. I try not to do excessive baking and keep treats to lean, fruity ones!
Exercise – just like sleep, it is easier to jog outside now when it is cold as opposed to trying to do it in 90+ degree temps!
Going out for walks as a family is both healthy and relaxing. get a work out and spend quality time together.
I hate to miss out on the once a year treats so I try to watch my portion size. Also try to keep active and try to get a good nights sleep.
I make it a point to exeficse more since I eat more. I also try to get plenty of sleep.
Say no to some sweets…but not ALL of them!
I learned recently that you don’t need a gym membership – that you can do weight bearing exercises at home (that tip alone saves me over sixty dollars a month!).
But I also have a few shows I like to watch soooo I’ve now started during commercials and shows doing things like running in place barefoot(landing on the ball of my feet first – which hurts my back less than heel-first landing of the feet – and I have more stamina. who knew?!)… and crunches, lunges and wall-push ups. I get my heartrate up a little (or a lot) and get to watch TV too AND save money. win-win-win right?!
Write down everything I eat & drink lots of water.
I try to get enough rest and stay hydrated!
Daily walks … even when it’s cold!
Meatless meals … at least once or twice a week!
Soup and salads … instead of a huge dinner!
Think good thoughts!
Thanks for the give away!
I try to focus on moderation. I allow myself to indulge at a few specific meals but other than that I reign it in.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night! Limit the processed foods and eat more natural and homemade foods.
I always eat breakfast…always, always, always. The best way to enjoy breakfast is not to snack in the evenings….then you wake up with a hungry tummy!
I have made a point not to get stressed out about gifts, making things and getting everything done on time. It’s a time to be joyful and thankful, not stressed about everything being perfect! Less stress means I eat less, sleep better and am not so hard to get along with!
For me it’s all about portion control. I don’t deny myself the good stuff, I just make sure that I don’t go overboard.
Drink lots of water and try to snack on fruit. I’m not a big fan of veggies, so I try to drink a glass of V-8 everyday.
I’d say I’m guilty at not being as healthy as I should especially this time of year. I do try to get some physical movement in each day by taking the 4 flights of stairs instead of the elevators at work. Doing this everyday 3-4 times a day adds up.
Drink lots of water, and taste everything you are craving for, but do it in moderation.
When it’s too cold to walk outside, I put in a DVD walking tape (Leslie Sansone my fav!) and walk in my den!
My secret is to eat healthy food the rest of the year and enjoy all the treats I want in December!
I am trying to keep moving and not let my exercising stop during this season of overeating!
Taking the time to relax and get a good night’s sleep is my numero uno holiday tip. During such a busy time of year, I start to get really cranky and become unable to enjoy the season if I am not taking time for rest. Sleep: does this body good.
Thanks, Boo Mama!
Mine is one of yours….drink lots of water!!!
Get rest!
I need to do better with the exercise, but I do find that if we stick to a pretty healthy menu at our regular meals (outside of the holiday parties) we all feel better. You can only eat so many meatballs and pigs in a blanket!
Eat healthy snacks between meals to avoid overindulging
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Only eat what I reallllllly like. And workout as much as I can.
I try to drink water at holiday meals to cut back on calories I would normally get from cokes or sweet tea. I also try to only put white meat on my plate, if I don’t have dark meat on my plate then I don’t eat it. In an attempt to make more room on my plate for everything, I scale down on the dressing or mashed potato and gravy and save room for more side dishes that usually have more vegetables (salad, corn, green veggies). If I can’t pick one dessert, I cut the serving down so that I only eat the equivalent of 1 piece.
Take walks and stop eating once you’re full. With all the yummy food it’s easy to overeat.
I drink Kefir. It’s suppose to have all these great pro-biotics…and I teach…and so many kids have been sick – but not me! I pray it continues this way!
I try to bake or cook my most fattening treats only when I’m going to be able to take them to a party and share. That way, I’ll be sure to get a taste but not be tempted by the whole thing.
Keeping SOME sort of basic structure of morning prayer-time, yoga/walking and remembering to be thankful!
Sleep…I get real cranky if I don’t get my sleep.
Be mindful of what you are eating-Only eat truly delicious food. I only feel guilty when I eat a bunch of stuff that wasn’t really that good, but I ate it anyway.
I keep a food diary and make sure to keep active during the holidays.
tweet-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/12877896838287360
I go to my Weight Watchers meeting every single week. It’s makes me not lie to me about what eating I’ve done at the past week’s social events.
Pay attention to what you put in your mouth! Nobody wants to add losing another 10lbs to their New Years Resolution!!!
Hey BM (yikes sorry!) haha.
I try to get smaller portions and not finish everything on my plate. I try to drink more water and be extra active through the holidays as well. THANKS.
If there’s a party coming I try to “snack” healthy instead of have meals – a small portion of cheese w/ a couple crackers and an apple/some veggies holds off the hunger without the deprivation feeling!
I take time for me. If I don’t I will get stressed out with all the activities and things that need to get done.
I make a huge crockpot full of veggie soup each weekend. I take it to work for lunch during the week to help me get in my veggies. That way if we have a Christmas party at night or on the weekend, I don’t feel as bad about the meal they serve.
Although I can’t profess to be very healthy – YET – one thing I try to do during the holidays is eat very healthy at home, so I can splurge a little at parties.
Not rocket science – just my way of having my cake and eating it too. :)
Moderation, moderation, moderations. Sadly, I do not follow this, but I wish I could…
i drink lots of water try to get at least 8 hours sleep a night. and i try to take short walks weather permitting
I try to take a multi-vitamin and vitamic C every day with a glass of orange juice.
Sleep and exercise always make me feel better!
I try to eat more smaller meals vs. 3 bigger ones. This seems to work better for me.
Staying healthy during the holidays is all about keeping schedules. Even when the kids are out of school, continue with your exercise, but try to include them. Mine are teens, so they are happy to go to the gym, or hit the tennis courts…after they get their sleeping in done!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Cheers…
I try to stay healthy during the holidays by getting lots of Vitamin C and resting when I can.
I try to exercise regularly. I’ve started back on The 30 Day Shred, so I’m definitely burning some calories!
At parties, I just pick my favorite indulgences rather than a little of everything.