Hello sweet friend!
As we continue into this wonderful season, one of the most challenging things in our health journey can be staying on track when we go to holiday parties. We all know parties are to enjoy friends, family but also there can be endless amounts of food. People gather and all bring dishes that are so tempting and we often go through a cycle of overeating and then feeling guilt after the party. Friend, let's not so this to yourself this holiday season! Bring a healthy dish to share and choose wisely!
Here are a few tips on how to have your best and healthiest holiday season yet.
- Focus on fellowship with family and friends! You are not there for the food. Yes, there will be a lot of food that only comes once a year but at the end of the day it is exactly that- food. Food was meant to nourish our bodies for service, not tempt us into over-indulgence and lead us to guilt. Go into your party knowing that this party is about fellowship and spending time with the ones you love.
- Drink a large glass of water and eat a high-protein snack before the party.Now, you will be satisfied from a healthy snack going into the party and much less likely to reach for empty calories and mindless snacks. I know often people will not eat all day to "save their calories" for the big party or meal, however this leads to over-consumption of foods that are not going to satisfy or fuel you in the long run! Prepare before hand so you can enter and exit this party feeling healthy and nourished. Having victory!
- Bring a healthy snack or treat that everyone can enjoy and so you will know you have a healthy option available. Some ideas are: lean meat and cheese trays, fruit and vegetable trays, homemade trail mix or glazed nuts. Below is an easy recipe that you can take that is sure to be a crowd favorite and leave everyone feeling great and not weighed down and guilty!
- Keep moving! Stay on track with your fitness goals by continuing to schedule your workouts as usual. Block of these times in your schedule, so you don't skip a workout. When family is town, take walks together! Park further away from stores to get in extra steps!
- Begin with the end in mind! Make everyday count! January is only a couple weeks away! Need some extra accountability? We're here for YOU and believe in YOU! The TransFit team wants to see you reach your goals! We want to see you get your $20 back in January at the end of our Holiday Extravaganza! Remember: consistency is key! Remind yourself daily to focus on Jesus the reason for the season. You can't control all of your circumstances, but you can control where you keep your focus-- on Him!
Here are some great healthy recipes to take to your next holiday party!
Strawberry Edamame Salad
- 2 cups organic baby spinach
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/3 cup edamame
- Tbsp. goat cheese (or feta or whatever your favorite is!)
- 1/4 cup toasted, chopped pecans
Combine all ingredients together. Drizzle a tablespoon (or two) of your favorite dressing on top. I like a tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar! Don’t forget to make an extra salad or two for lunches this week!
Fruit Kabobs
Perfect kid friendly healthy snack! Add one marshmallow, strawberry, banana, and grape for the perfect Santa kabob!
Holiday Grain Bowl
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 6 radishes
- 1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
- 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup reduced sugar craisins
- 2 cups salad greens of choice
- 1 shallot sliced
- Fresh basil
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp green goddess dressing
First, make sure your rice and quinoa are cooked according to package directions. Slice your radishes and shallots. Arrange all ingredients into two bowls. Garnish with basil and pepper. Drizzle with green goddess dressing.
Take this opportunity to practice your will power, and then notice how great your body and spirit feel after the party because you have experienced all of the great fellowship without overindulging. Parties should be filled with laughter, fun and time spent with the ones that you love.
Now you may be wondering what to do if you do get off track and have one too many pieces or Christmas candy or dessert. Let it go- it is in the past. Clean the slate! Realize that this health journey you are on is not a diet. No friends, this is a lifestyle and sometimes you will face challenges! We encourage you in these times to remember why you started this lifestyle. Think for a second on all of the positive changes you made this holiday season in compared to your last. Think of how far you have come and all the progress you have made. Now with a renewed mind and spirit prepare to have your best and healthiest day tomorrow and drink plenty of water and green tea to help purify your body so you can feel your best!
You can do this sweet friend! We are praying for you and can't wait to hear all the success that you all have and how God blesses your holiday season!
Blessings,
Team TransFit
