How to Not Overindulge During the Holidays

I read an article recently about how Halloween is the start of overindulging season in the U.S. It’s not far from the truth. There’s so many sweets and treats and so much alcohol and partying between October 31 and January 1, it’s no wonder that people start every year giving up all of the above.

But what if you could enjoy the holiday season without feeling guilty? What if you ended the year feeling good about yourself and where your fitness and nutrition journey is?

Start here, in my list of ways to avoid overindulging on Thanksgiving and beyond. Because it is possible to enjoy this season without feeling guilty about it.

Adopt the 2B Mindset

The two biggest ideas behind 2B Mindset program is to drink water first, before any meals, and to fill your plate with more vegetables than any other food group. If you continue to do this throughout the holidays, you’ll be on the right track for sure.

One place to be careful, however, is the types of veggies you’re consuming. Holiday vegetables tend to be full of butter, bacon, added carbs and sugars. I recommend volunteering to bring a side dish or two or a veggie tray to any holiday gathering so you’re sure to have healthy, whole foods free of unhealthy ingredients.

Stick with the Workouts

Holidays often involve staying up late, making getting up early for a pre-celebration workout difficult to do. Your workout doesn’t have to look like it does outside the holidays, but it is important to make sure it happens.

Great holiday workouts include family walks, pick-up basketball games, kickball with the kids, family yoga or even a bike ride after dinner. Anything to keep your body moving helps. Between the holidays, be sure to hit “play” on your favorite Beachbody workout!

Stay Hydrated

The more water you consume, the fuller you’ll feel and the fewer treats you’ll crave. If you have a big reusable water bottle, carry it with you at all times. If you work or are celebrating at home, fill a gallon jug full of water and try to drink it all every day.

Don’t like water? Try an unsweetened carbonate water or unsweetened iced tea instead!

Choose Wisely

Often a holiday spread includes a wide range of food and drink choices. As you’re filling your plate, choose wisely…but don’t feel like you have to deprive yourself completely. Grab a dinner roll (but leave the other three you usually eat in the bread basket). Have a bite of pumpkin pie (but limit yourself to that). Cut that pat of butter in half, instead of using the whole thing.

The same goes for beverage choices. There’s nothing wrong in indulging in an alcoholic drink or two, but set a limit before the celebration starts and stick to it. Or stick to the lower-calorie, non-alcoholic drinks instead. Alcohol carries a lot of empty calories.

Give yourself grace and have some indulgent fun this holiday season, but don’t use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge and fall off your health and fitness goals. Instead, be wise and think ahead, and you’ll start the new year feeling better than ever!

Need help getting started? Email me or check out Beachbody on Demand for support and workouts.