For years I feared the holiday season.
Without fail I’d gain weight and feel awful in my body.
By New Years day I’d wake up with achy joints, digestive issues, and inflamed skin swearing off cookies for another year.
Then, about 6 years ago, I vowed to change that tradition.
The result? I love this time of year and I feel complete confidence to savor the incredible tastes of the season and still feel great on New Years.
So, what does it take to feel vibrant January 1?
The Healthy Holiday Game Plan
1. Start with Why:
As soon as you see the first holiday lights switch on that’s your signal – it’s time to get clear on your Healthy Holiday Game Plan.
Start by answering these 3 questions:
- How do you want to feel throughout the holidays?
- How don’t you want to feel?
- On January 1st how do want to feel and why?
For example, if you’ve found the magnetic pull of the cookie tray in past years doesn’t leave you feeling merry and bright, then imagine confidently savoring your favorite cookie, filled with laughter, and surrounded by your favorite people.
It can happen – you can savor the heck out of your favorite cookie without taking down the whole tray.
Next stop…how.
2. Pick your Plan:
It may surprise you but you get to decide your plan. The reason is what works for one does not work for all.
Suggestions such as skip the second serving, be in bed by 10pm, or limit alcohol to 3 servings per week are helpful in theory but don’t count unless they’re doable and practical to your life.
So, here’s what to do: choose one or two habits that will support the vision you created for yourself in Step One above.
For example, my weakness being cookies, I also want to fit into my jeans in January so I give myself full permission to enjoy cookies on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – as many as I want for 2 full days – rather than feasting on cookies for the whole month of December.
Now, it’s your turn.
What can you confidently commit to – the low-hanging holiday fruit, if you will – that will help you feel your very best this season?
3. Bulletproof:
Holidays are fun! And, no doubt, they can be stressful.
Almost predictably, there comes a point each season that even the best healthy holiday intentions are held at proverbial gunpoint.
Here’s what you do to be successful even under stress:
Find yourself an accountability buddy. This could be a close friend, a non-judgmental family member, or a health coach.
Share what you’re up to and why and have them hold you accountable with a check in once a week (or daily if needed).
It’s amazing what we can accomplish with even just one loving cheerleader by our side.
4. Evolve:
Just like watching the movie “Love Actually”, make time for the Healthy Holiday Game Plan yearly for best results. With practice, and a little yearly nudge towards health, your holiday will have more good feels and less of the stuff you wish away January 1.
With my own game plan in hand I wish you a very healthy, very happy holiday.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Kyle
PS. If you like what you’re reading make sure you sign up for more. The Alpine Fit News is free monthly inspiration + doable tips to make your health the very best it can be.
