I know You Want to Know!

Do you want to know what it takes to be able to enjoy the next (and last) month of this magnificent year even more? A month where some people may feel they are being pulled in a few extra directions? A few extra trips through the clogged arteries of our highways just to reach your destination with only one parking spot left at a 12 minute walk to where you need to get to (in possibly some frigid temperatures)? A time where we fear the “holiday weight gain”, making us feel that much further from our goals when January hits?

You want to know the secret? What it takes? It takes the need for you to let go of any and all expectations that are put upon you from others, or from yourself in situations that you have no control over, and to simply focus on what you can control, and may otherwise be known as “going with the flow” as best as you can!

What you can control is different for everyone, but in health and wellness it may include any of the following:

• Time to prepare balanced meals
• Dedicated time to take 20 minutes in your day to breathe, dance, listen to some music, get a good sweat on or meditate
• Time to pause before you respond to another invitation and ask yourself if you’re pulling yourself too thin
• Time to sleep
• Time to actually enjoy Christmas shopping
• Time to take part in a new Holiday tradition or an old one

And in a world where we “just don’t have enough time” or are consistently glorifying our “busy-ness”, maybe it’s “time” to reflect on what (or who) is loading your agenda and schedule that is taking away from that “time” where your soul is asking you to quiet down a bit. Ask for help, or better yet, ask yourself what the top three things you would like to enjoy this upcoming holiday season are. Make a commitment to enjoy that. If you love to bake your favourite holiday cookies, or experiment with a magazine’s new list of cookies for the season, make a date with yourself. You know how important I always stress it is for people to “make dates with themselves”. Committing to them is the second part, but just like that appointment in your calendar with the boss to discuss end-of-year financials, so too is the importance of that appointment with you to do something for your mind to soften and quiet down.

The list is endless, and I know you want tips and tricks to support you however you may need it this holiday – dodging the cookie platters, endless potluck tables, or next-day hangover – so be sure to check out this year’s holiday social media campaign through Instagram or Facebook, and check out this “power plan” to get you started!

Remember, this isn’t “THE” list…..but they are some suggestions.  You have to look at your life, your habits, your way of thinking, and see how these suggestions may fit with your own logic and lifestyle to keep you in balance today and always.

• Be a Buffet Snob – Yes! Be picky.  Walk through the buffet without your plate first to see what you truly want, then go back through and make your selections (do this for the desserts too).
• Keep it Tight – wear form-fitting clothes! Not the ones you can’t wait to get into after a long day of work, but rather ones that will help gauge your “fullness” cues a little more without having to pop your top button or loosen a belt hole.
• Get your Steps On – Don’t even bother swifting up and down the mall parking lot for that closer spot!  Take the further spot and enjoy the fresh, crisp air as you kick it into the mall (provided you are physically able to walk).
• Gear into your Goals – Really, it may not be the time to set a weight loss goal….hey, if it happens, kudos to you, but be real with yourself, and aim to maintain your weight.
• Plan Personally – Are you the “planner” of the family? Do you make time to plan the get-together, Christmas party, gift shopping list?  Yes? So you can plan?  Did you answer yet?  In that case — plan your fuel! It’s as simple as that!  Get in a good breakfast (don’t forget the protein).  Hit up some ideal snacks for the road, or as soon as you get home.
• Hang up the Hangover – I mean, there are solutions to getting over the hangover quick, and replenishing your electrolytes, but, why don’t you take turns being the DD with your family members to help monitor how much vino or vodka your liver has a party on!  Non-alcoholic drinks are endless, but can be filled with more calories than a Turtle or Christmas Truffle.  Flavoured water, bubbly choices, warm or cold teas, and diluted apple cider are just a few options to try out!  Please drink responsibly.  Drink smart, and always have your water with you.

More to come though – I can’t spoil all of the fun, so make sure you tune into my social media campaign to have your personal coach by your side each day!