Year end climb? Or landslide? You decide...

Do your ever feel like you have just been pushed out of the wagon? Does it seem like all of life’s circumstances are setting you up for failure with your health and fitness goals? Life can definitely be like that. This year, especially, has required flexibility, adaptability, and creativeness just to salvage any sanity you might have left. With many people minimizing their outings and working from home, any routine you may have had is definitely a thing of the past. In addition, you may have picked up some new hobbies (eating, Netflix, more eating, etc) that have impacted your waistline. With that being said, you are likely entering the holiday season already outside the wagon and plastered on the pavement of life. It may seem like the answer is to just keep trucking along on this destructive path and slide on down life’s landslide. But I’m here to help pick you up, tie your shoes, and encourage you to make the climb. It’s not too late to get back on track and start next year on the best foot by ending this year that way. However, with a handful of food-filled holidays on the horizon, it may seem like a tough climb. How do you get up from here? How can you end the year in a place better than you are now, even with the obstacles of the holiday indulgences? Let’s attack that now.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching next week, every nutrition/diet article you read is likely going to tell you the *good* and *bad* foods on your Thanksgiving plate. You are probably expecting me to give you a list of foods that are calorie bombs and tell you to fill up on salad. Well that’s not going to happen. As a dietitian, I’m an optimistic nutrition coach but also extremely realistic. Even though Thanksgiving is one of the many American holidays that revolves around food, it shouldn’t trigger you with concerns of wrecking havoc on your health. Reaching your health, wellness, and fitness goals is about balance. What you eat on Thanksgiving every year will NOT be a game changer in accomplishing your goals. It’s what you do before, after, and all those random days in between that mean the most. As of today, there are 41 days left in the year. So while specific holidays may be days with less nutritious offerings, you can still stay on track if you hold yourself accountable along the way.

I was recently talking to a good friend about the struggles she was having with her weight. She had decided to give up sweets, with the exception of special occasions. As we talked further, it became clear that the definition of “special occasions” was quite fuzzy. Even though I don’t advocate “giving up” anything, this is a perfect example of how the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can throw us off track. Between now and the end of the year, there will likely be lots of “special occasions” outside of actual holidays. Holiday parties, gatherings with friends or family, special traditions, baked goods exchanges, office treats, seasonal snacks, vacations, birthdays, etc, can all seem like a good excuse to get completely off the wagon. It’s ALL of those moments together that really add up. My advice? Pick and choose what’s worth the indulging and don’t deprive. For example, are you looking forward to your grandmas pie on Thanksgiving? Eat a slice! Absolutely enjoy and savor it. If there are leftovers, don’t waste that experience (because let’s be real... eating a really good homemade pie is absolutely an experience) by gobbling it all up in a day. Refrigerate it to enjoy it over the week or even freeze it (if possible) to take out and have on occasion. However, on the other hand, let’s say you know you are going to a holiday gathering with dip platters and grocery store cookies. Maybe that’s a time you decide as less worthy of the less nutritious calorie bombs. Don‘t set yourself up for failure by coming unprepared or starving. There is nothing worse than wasting an indulgent experience on food you don’t even enjoy. You could always bring a more nutritious alternative to or eat something satisfying before you arrive. It takes planning and balance but there are definitely ways to stay on track and still meet your health/fitness goals during this time of year. It’s all about balance! Make yourself a priority this season by taking care of your body. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy those special moments, even if that includes less nutritious splurges. The key is getting right back on track and not letting every special moment be an excuse to OVERindulge.

With only 6 weeks until we ring in 2021, what can you do to make an impact and start the new year as your best self? Don’t wait until January to have a list of resolutions. Invest in yourself now and you will reap the benefits much sooner. And as always, definitely reach out if you want some help along the way. You’ve got this!