It is Dec. 1st so time to start thinking about the Holiday party season. I’m here to offer some tips that I’ve learned over the years. Some of these I learned via trial and error and others I’ve learned from valued friends and other resources.
First, know that managing the Holidays takes planning. You can’t go by the seat of your pants and expect to get to January 1 feeling great. So take a little time to read through these and tuck the ones that seem helpful to you, into your holiday toolbox. With a little strategic planning, you can truly enjoy ‘the most wonderful time of the year’!
1) HYDRATE - This is my #1 tip. There are a plethora of evils brought on by dehydration. Here are just a few. Dehydration is the main cause of a hang-over. Dehydration may feel like hunger, making you grab crackers and a cheese ball rather than water. (Hello holiday weight gain!). Dehydration makes you more susceptible to germs; who wants to be sick at Christmastime? Dehydration accentuates fine lines and wrinkles and does nothing for those bags under your eyes. So hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.
2. Have a small, healthy snack before going to a party. I like to eat a small apple with nut butter, but some celery sticks with cheese or yogurt with organic granola would serve you well also. You want complex carbs + a little protein and fat. When you eat something healthy beforehand, you are less likely to binge on not-so-healthy party food. Plus, if alcohol is served, you won’t be entering on an empty stomach.
3. If you are going to a pot-luck, take a health-conscious contribution. If I’m taking something to a gathering, I always take something that is good for me in case all the other options are less healthy ones.
4. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or sparkling water. See tip #1.
Hydrate, Moderate, Rest, Enjoy!
5. Arrive late and leave early. I know, I know. This one’s going to be unpopular. But here’s what you don’t want: a) to be sloshed when you leave, b) to run out of stimulating conversation and c) to stay so late that your host is yawning.
6. Don’t participate in cookie exchanges or work pot-luck dinners. This too, may be unpopular. While I’m ALL for socializing with your friends, I’m NOT for allowing yourself to eat crap just because it’s the Holidays. Examine your motives for participating. Do you want to fit in? Are you afraid you’re going to hurt someone’s feelings? Do you look forward to this every year and if so why? Try to view this more in relation to the people rather than the food and give yourself permission to be in control of YOU. Show up with a hostess gift or decorations for your work’s holiday party and be done. No one will like you less because of your willpower.
7. Hang out with health-minded people. If your friends are healthy, you won’t have to stress about what will be served at their holiday gathering. That’s been the biggest help for me. It’s awesome to go to a pot-luck with all your cycling friends and see a table full of colorful veggie dishes!
8. Exercise the day of your party, although not excessively. Don’t use exercise to try to burn all the calories that you’re going to consume. This is a dangerous game that many people play. I don’t like the idea of using food as a reward. Food is for nourishment and enjoyment and attaching emotions of reward and punishment to it is unhealthy (and an unhealthy example for young people.)
9. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Although everyone’s sleep needs are different, it is imperative that you get enough sleep during the Holidays which are already stressful. Lack of sleep does all sorts of wonky things to your metabolism. Plus, it sets you up for making mistakes at work, snapping at your friends and family and disrupts your coping skills. This is probably my #2 favorite tip.
10. Be polite, stay grounded and do NOT be the yes person. It is perfectly OK to say no. See tip #6. I live in the South, and we are people pleasers. During the Holidays, really think about what you want and do it and say no to everything else. While you may not be able to say NO to going to Christmas dinner at your mom’s house because Aunt Mildred will be there, you can certainly set limits.
All of these tips are about moderation. Enjoy your holiday season and don’t be afraid to make some changes to your traditions this year. Maybe you scale back on the Christmas decorations if you really hate putting them up. Maybe you say ‘No thanks’ to that one party that your former neighbor throws that you endure every year. Maybe you commit to 1 glass of wine at the company Christmas party. Maybe you buy your spouse the cheapest thing on his/hers wish list and give a homemade gift certificate for a back rub.
I encourage you to take control of your life, your happiness and your Holiday!
Happy Holidays!