The Holiday Season is Here!

December is upon us, the last month of 2018.  It is usually the time that we look back and take inventory of the past year, acknowledge our achievements as well as identify the things that we could have done better and set our goals for the new year.

When you look back over 2018, how do you feel about the year as a whole? What, if anything, would you have done differently?

The good news is that with the start of a new year, you get another chance to re-do the things that didn’t go so well in 2018.  If one of your 2018 goals was to lose weight or get into better shape, you can start again!

Think of losing weight and getting leaner as a marathon, not a sprint race. The more steadily you lose excess weight, the longer it will last. Why? The reason is very simple. Our brain needs time to make changes and to create and develop new neuropathways that will stick forever. When we make small changes, one at the time, it is easier to stick with this new habit on a daily basis.  When we make a big change in our habits without repeating it daily, it is usually not something that we stick with for the long term. Small changes in our habits are more attainable for our brain. So if you haven’t achieved the weight you desired during 2018, don’t worry, let’s do it again in 2019!

During this holiday season, we gather around the table more often than not. Food is fun and enjoyable as long as you avoid going overboard eating more than we should. Here are some suggestions to help maintain your current weight during the holiday season:

• Drink more water than usual, 8 to 10 cups a day.
• Make sure you drink two cups of water 20 minutes before sitting around the table to eat
• Go for walks with the people you are feasting with.
• Be mindful of portion control. Our stomachs have a limited capacity, usually less than two full plates of food. 
• Try everything that is being served to you but eat only a couple of bites of each. You don’t need to finish everything on your plate. In fact, in some cultures, clearing your plate is considered rude.

Try to practice these simple and easy suggestions to make your holidays full of enjoyment!

P.S.: One more suggestion! There is no portion control for love. Love your kids, spouses, partners, friends, parents and co-workers as much as you want. There is an unlimited feast for love, not only during the holidays, but all throughout the year!