(12/2019) In the past I usually wrote an article in December about what to prepare for Christmas Dinner and how to make it healthier. This year, of course, I will make a few suggestions about how to cut a few calories or prepare for those holiday parties but I think we should all give ourselves a little break and just enjoy the holiday season. Taking the pressure off yourself can be positive and just may bring some good results.

Sometimes, especially if you have been trying so hard to stay on a diet and watch every bite you take, having a break can give your metabolism a restart. I'm not giving you the green light to eat whatever and as much as you want at the parties or even at home with the Christmas cookies. I'm suggesting you take one or two days a week and have that dessert you like or maybe eat something you have given up because of your diet plan.

We all know that over the holidays there are foods and parties and temptations around every corner. The harder you try to resist them, the more you end up eating. Maybe one day a week you can give yourself permission to eat what you want. You may be surprised to find out that you don't eat as much as you thought you would. Some people have discovered that by doing this, at least after the first few times, that they are not as tempted and don't end up overeating.

My point is, enjoy the season and the variety of foods available during this time of year that we normally don't have the rest of the year. Again, I want you to be mindful about what and how much you are eating. You don't want to completely do away with the progress you have made prior to the holidays. People, in general, can gain five to ten pounds over this time of year. Think about that before you indulge too much.

Also think about watching your food intake now and not waiting until January and the New Year's Resolution of loosing weight. If you start just a little now you won't have that extra weight to loose then. Someone just told me that is her plan for this year and I know it will be helpful to her when she steps on the scale for that first time she weighs in January.

It may sound like I'm saying give yourself a break but still watch what your eating and I am. You can do both and still achieve your weight and health goals. Sometimes the pressure we put on ourselves to follow a strict diet or reach a certain number of pounds lost by a certain date sabotages our efforts. Developing a healthy eating plan is the best way to get to your bodies healthy weight and keep it stable. I realize you may need to follow a diet to initially loose the weight but the final goal should be to eat healthy and find the eating plan that you can live with and enjoy yourself without always worrying about what your eating.

The holidays are here and sharing good will and love are a great way to celebrate with friends and family. It is possible to enjoy the seasons events and still keep on track for a healthy life.

Saturday, January 4 is the date of my annual Open House. Each year I hold an Open House to share with anyone thinking about starting an exercise and nutrition program to improve their health. I hope you will join us. Look for more information in January's issue of the Journal. Hope to see you there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and keep moving, you'll be glad you did.

If you have any questions or need help getting started,
please call me 717-334-6009