Resolve to Undo Holiday Overindulgence
Unhealthy Temptations to Dodge this Holiday Season
Never do we feel the need to enjoy as much as during the holiday season when time seems to be slipping away like sand, the year coming to an inevitable end; when we lose our days to holiday shopping and nights to endless partying!
Wrapped in several layers of love, warmth, happiness and celebrations ~ the holidays bring some harsh lessons of health and fitness, that we usually learn in the new year immersed in guilt and resolutely planning to not repeat the same pattern the following year.
It is easy enough for us to say that we should live in the present moment, but reality almost always conspires against it.
On one hand, we tend to lose ourselves in the joyful celebrations of the season. And on the other, every time we wake up with a splitting headache, we realise that the demons of the holidays got the better of us. The fact is that the holiday season is the most engaging time of year; taking into consideration the weather, our choice of food and drink can be challenging for our body, and in general, the season of giving can feel heavy.
As I continue making significant progress in leading a happy and healthy life, with my goal of healthy living clearer than ever before ~ I have decided to make this holiday season one to be proud of. I have charted my path to healthy celebrations {arming myself with approaches to deal with the most tempting situations}, and I am sharing it to encourage you to take the healthy route this season as well. Here we go!
Continue to Think “Healthy Foods” Throughout the Season
Situation Number One: Sugar
Even before I had read research and studies, I knew that too much sugar could impair health ~ a sudden high in energy caused by a sugar rush is inescapably followed by plummeting energy levels. With coffee shops and patisseries counting on the holiday season for year-end profits by tempting you with an enticing display of the most visually appealing cookies, cakes and chocolates ~ can you avoid the sugar demon?
Sugar is no friend of ours. Overcoming sugary temptations.
It is easier than you think. Let me help. I tread the middle road between sugar overload and sugar starvation and here’s how I do it: I bring down my sugar consumption to one dose a day. For instance, if I have an event to attend in the evening, I avoid sugar for the better part of my day. If friends are coming over for lunch, then I skip the sugary drinks and enjoy the dessert.
By being mindful about your sugar intake, you will help reduce sugar cravings/consumption and enjoy the season with fewer snags.
Keep it Simple: Settle For a Sip
Situation Number Two: Spirits
Alcoholic drinks have a way of bringing people together during revelries. Centric to most celebrations, sharing a nice glass of wine {or whatever your choice of drink may be} over a meal with loved ones always puts us in high spirits. But raising too many toasts may not go well with your health-conscious philosophy. With intoxicating liquor being present at almost all the parties I attend, I know exactly what it takes to politely refuse a drink.
It’s not just the irksome hangover after you’ve downed a few glasses of your favourite drink, but it’s also a real let-down in terms of sugar consumption and calorie overdose. You definitely don’t want your holidays to be interrupted with pesky headaches, moody behaviour and superfluous anxiety.
Overcoming alcoholic temptations.
I usually pick a virgin mojito and drink it slowly to accompany friends and family when raising a toast. If you are at a party, people may encourage you to join them for a drink ~ but if you already have a glass in your hand, then there are fewer chances of getting roped in. That said, I sometimes end up drinking a glass of wine or my favourite cocktail but I have learnt to limit my intake to just one.
If you have an inclination to turn one glass of drink into several more, then I suggest you sign up for an early morning workout session. This can act as a real motivator in limiting your alcohol intake to ensure that you can wake up in time for your workout. Alternatively, choose to be the designated driver. Taking responsibility for your loved ones will ensure you skip the alcohol and still enjoy the celebration.
Get Active, Healthy, and Happy
Situation Number Three: Procrastination
The workout session you signed up for may often go neglected over the holiday season. Exercising takes a backseat just when you need it the most. With calories making a home in your system ~ physical activity is the last thing to ignore if health is a priority.
Even the smallest bit of conscious effort put towards leading a fit life counts! Dodging procrastination.
Finding a gym buddy is the best way to keep you accountable. Just ensure it’s a friend who will motivate rather than talk you out of going. I have found my gym buddy in my husband, Vikram, who takes physical health very seriously and makes doubly sure that I join him for a workout ~ so I know I can count on him.
With my alarm clock set to go off at 7:00 every morning to begin my day with a bout of exercise and a healthy smoothie before I go about my usual business, I have been able to beat the three demons of the holiday season more effectively than I expected.
And here’s an extra tip, to keep the healthy spirit of the season going: Walk! As much as you can and as often as you can. Take the stairs to the cafeteria upstairs at work. Walk down to the nearby grocery store to buy fresh veggies and fruits. Walk to that coffee shop across the street. Walk to your friend’s place {not too far off from your own} where you are expected for dinner.
Feeling more settled in for a healthy holiday season now? I certainly hope so!
Let us fight these holiday temptations together, and give way to healthier and happier celebrations. I am full of energy and hope to celebrate the joys of the season with my fitness route. I hope I have been able to light up the spirit of healthfulness in you too!
Behind The Scenes 🙂
What’s Your Take? Do you already have your own ways of overcoming temptations during the holidays? Feel free to share in the comments.
Beautiful reminder… Tune in to your body, and appreciate life as it is too short. Love your blog, Tanya! ❤️
So glad you appreciate this, Priyashree.
How beautifully interpreted, Tanya! Remember, a comfort zone is always a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.
Thank you for sharing, Seemaab.
What a fine piece of writing is this! Build your mental strength so you can hustle, strategize, and rethink about what you want in life…
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Asma.
How inspirational are you?! Taking photo mood board inspiration from this share… You blog posts are so enjoyable to read, and I truly hope you find my comment and read it with happiness!
Thank you for your kind words, Shampa.
You writings are so honest and real ~ instantly connects! I find that I really need guidance on getting to know myself better and trusting my gut… so, thank you for this!
I’m so glad to hear this, Bindu.
Happy New Year, Tanya! Loved reading your suggestions and I’m with you on the reasoning – think positive and stress less!
Thank you, Annapurni. Happy New Year to you too!
This is such a beautiful post that’s so positive and promising for the New Year, and the pictures are such a delight! Reading, meditating and even laying out at the park are such simple things that remind me to take a step back and just breathe…
That’s so sweet! Thank you, Mamatha.
The post is so heartfelt, Tanya. Thank you for being there for all of us, and thank you for being such an incredible human being! ❤️
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Prity.
These are so relatable! I need to stress less, head to the gym more often and be in-the-now more! It’s also important to love yourself, and my goal is to work on that more and more each day.
Very sensitive of you to resonate like this, Seema.
You’re beautiful inside and out, Tanya! Love reading your posts as they’re brimming with heart! I constantly catch myself not devoting enough time to my heart and soul… that needs to change. Thank you for sharing.
So happy to hear your affectionate sentiments on this post, Shalini.
I’m loving these tips so much ~ so great to reflect on another’s insights! Because sometimes there isn’t anything anyone can say to make you feel better, that’s when you need to do what makes you feel good. I hope 2018 brings the most amazing experiences your way! ❤️
I’m overjoyed at your sweet words! Thank you, Kasturi.
You posts have an unbelievable range and power of expression! A lack of self-love is at the root of every challenge and self-sabotaging or self-limiting choice we make. Yet most people don’t truly know what self-love is…
…it’s what feels right for you in that moment. Thank you very much indeed.
Insightful write up! You express your thoughts so very well and that’s your power… Really fun visuals as well. 🙂
Dear Krithika, you overwhelm me!
Can’t decide what is more beautiful ~ the post or the thought behind it! ❤️ I really do believe that we need to recharge our physical, mental and spiritual batteries regularly to ensure we are at our best… Take a walk, sit in your garden, read a book, enjoy a nice warm cuppa or simply just sit in silence. These are just a few things you could do.
Nice of you share, Rajeshwari. Thank you!
Three cheers for the photographer! Haha!! 😀 On a more serious note, getting to know what your own personal rules are, can be immensely liberating. You will be better able to recognise and understand why you react in certain ways…
That’s the best way isn’t it?! Thank you, Dharmesh.
This is written so beautifully, Tanya… Loved your expression of deep thoughtfulness! I just say, “I will fight back” in front of the mirror, and let my inner self hear me roar!
Thank you for your warm appreciation, Deepa.
Engrossing write-up and a beautiful way to bid the year adieu…
Every step brings you closer. Every win builds your courage. Every no makes you stronger.
Thank you, Madhu! Means a lot coming from you…
This is a beautiful post and even more beautiful writing! ✨ Thank you for sharing your advise with us, all while encouraging us to begin our self growth journey. Let your greatness unfold, this is just the beginning!
I’m humbled by your kind words, Prabha.
It’s all fun and games until your jeans don’t fit!! 🙁 This winter, I’m bringing health and nutrition back into my life! Yes, I am 100% back on track from today!
Sending you great positive vibes, Apoorva!
I know I really need this to undo all the celebrating I’ve been doing! Getting back into ae healthy routine will feel so much better! #letsreachourgoalstogether
Thank you as always for your love and support, Anusha.
After quite literally eating my body weight in baklava, this was the perfect post for my early morning motivation! ❤️
Ugh – I miss drinking almond milk coffee with you and eating the wonderful things you would bake, Tanya!
If you maybe “over enjoyed” yesterday, I encourage you to keep loving yourself, get back on your track slowly but surely, I’m rooting for you, Anamika!
Aww ❤️
Does anyone else feel like it’s a green detox juice kinda morning?! Today’s goal… Steer clear of cooking, eating and drinking alcohol!!
As long as your cheat day/meal hasn’t turned into a cheat week, you’ll be fine, Rajesh. 🙂
Love this! ❤️
Who knows the feeling of overindulging on holidays?! Yeah, I’ve been there…
Time for me to get back into my routine: I’ve started off the day with a yummy smoothie bowl; plan to go to yoga at lunchtime followed by a healthy plant-based lunch and dinner. 🙂
I’m delighted to hear this, Palavai!
You are inspirational!! Get it, girl!
By the way, my health journey is a lifestyle that consists of continuing to work on my physical, mental, & spiritual health. ✨
Thank you so much, Estella! I appreciate all the love and support you have given me.
Lasting change takes patience. Step by step, as there are so many aspects to building a healthy lifestyle.
Use today to make decisions for your thriving self, you won’t regret it!
Progress takes time with any health journey, but it is so worth the wait!
I’m so incredibly grateful for your consistency with wellness shares, Tanya!
“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”
This quote is one of my favourites. It works for me. When I feel like binge eating the whole pack of Oreos. I think about what that scale said a year ago and binge eat broccoli… #notgoingback
Thank you for believing in me, Gautham. You’re the best ever!
Yasssssss!!
I think it’s safe to say, that I have included this NEW HABIT – showing up for myself every single day – into my lifestyle. There’s no stopping me now!
Awesome!
Thank you for being our ally, cheerleader, and even more committed as a coach for our health/wellness goals, Tanya!
I can’t help but grin at who I used to be… and at the thought of who I am yet to discover. This is going to be fun! ❤️
Thank you so much, Antha. My heart is dancing with joy!
Awesome post! Alas, it’s time to put the holiday overindulgence to rest and get back to routine. 🙁
On a more serious note: When you curate a post it is with consideration and love. And such clarity of thought; your value system has obviously been in place since early on. ❤️
Aw ~ that’s such a heartwarming and beautiful comment. Thank you, Sophia!
What then is there to do about it? I hydrate well with plenty of water to flush out those toxins. I choose healthy foods – fruits, vegetables and limited processed foods. And a little light cardio exercise will probably help as well. ✨ ✨ ✨
Keep it simple, healthy, and insanely delicious!
Absolutely amazing post! ✨
Major slacker over the weekend!
Ate too much,
Drank too much,
Didn’t work out since Thursday.
Got a late start at work and so I knocked out a double! Back and shoulders. Will push do another double tomorrow to get back on track! 😀
Keep killing it, Siraya!
Sometimes life will come and throw you off balance. Or just completely push you to the floor.
That’s okay; it’s normal and it’s going to happen.
The important part is that you get back up and stand tall again.
Thank you for being here to help us become the best version of ourselves, Tanya.
That’s kind of you, Karishma. Thank you so much!
Admirable post. ❤️❤️❤️
Did any of you have a great holiday but maybe indulged a little too much? I know I did. 😀 Nothing like a little breakfast-time reset to nourish the SOUL! Thank you for being a constant light to me and others on this platform, Tanya!
So sweet of you, Krishna. Thank you very much for such lovely words.
This is amazing!! ❤️❤️❤️
Around this time of year, our Earth element gets taxed because of all the rich foods we indulge in over the holidays. Give your Spleen and Stomach organs a little break and add a few meals that balance your Earth element, while working to avoid foods that throw your Earth element out of balance!⠀⠀
Never thought of it that way! Thank you for adding to my post so wonderfully, Shan.