Taking a “Break”

I'm off work for the holidays and I'm looking forward to hanging up my sneakers until the New Year! 🎉

I've heard several people say this. And not just the sneakers, they're hanging up their healthy eating habits entirely and going all in on the holiday eats. 😬

I know work has been stressful. I know you've been looking forward to having time off for soooooo long. I know you are pumped for some seasonal treats you typically don't indulge in.

BUT... why can't you do both? Why can't you stick with your healthy habits AND indulge in some festive yums?

Simply put, YOU CAN. 🤯

If you feel like you "need a break" from exercise and eating nutritiously, then you're doing it wrong.

Healthy only works if you do it with the proper mindset. Depriving yourself, shaming yourself, and punishing yourself will not win the long game.

"Mmm I'm treating myself because it's [insert whatever holiday you celebrate]."

We've heard people make comments like this many times, announcing it to anyone within earshot as if they need to offer an explanation. As if it would otherwise be some kind of shameful offence if not for the holidays.

Eat a piece of the damn peppermint bark in peace. Make no apologies or excuses. You owe nothing to anyone but yourself.

Also get your butt off the couch and MOVE. Walking, dancing, cartwheels, jumping jacks, swimming, chasing your dog at the park. ANYTHING.

Also make sure you're purposefully eating enough nutrients that your body needs to feel good and strong.

Also make sure you are mindful of portion sizes. Don't get to the point of unbuttoning your pants. 😶

Your time off is from work, not from life. You want to ENJOY the holidays, and you can't fully enjoy them if you're moaning from a bellyache, or needing a nap after every meal.

Waiting to jump back in in January will be so much HARDER. But if you maintain a routine throughout, then you can make January your b!tch.

Start now. Today. On a regular ol' Thursday. You have nothing to lose but your negative thoughts, your upset stomach, and your low energy.

80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February. Skip the resolution and start actively participating in your own well-being now.

Habits, not resolutions.