How Not to Kill Your Loved Ones on Christmas

Holidays are really exciting for some, while they leave others wishing they could just skip town and run away. Whether you love or hate the holidays, they usually bring on stress and sometimes a few extra pounds. A lot of people tend to let everything go when family comes into town because they are so busy hosting and making sure everyone’s needs are met. What seems to get lost is your own self-care routine. You catch yourself just surviving each day rather than being present in each moment. Let’s talk about how to enjoy the holidays because that’s the point.

· Take some time for yourself – First thing in the morning, rather than check your email, go to the gym, run, or walk. Exercising will help start your day with more energy and reduce stress. If you feel like you need to entertain your guests, invite them to come with you, but if they decline, don’t let that stop you.

· Ask for help when cooking – Asking for help is actually a sign of strength. It’s a lot of fun to cook with friends and family, and a great way to connect with them. This will take a lot of pressure off of you. If you are going to someone else’s house, ask if you can help with cooking or bring a dish. Cooking with others means you will spend less time cooking and more time with people you love.

· Focus on eating whole foods on the days leading up to Christmas: non-starchy vegetables, low sugar fruits, and if you’re a carnivore pasture raised eggs, and grass fed meats. Eating less processed foods and more whole foods is the goal. This will help offset some of your holiday dinner. Balance is key. I don’t believe in deprivation. You can still eat the foods you love by crowding out with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Once you can manage holiday stress, it will make everything easier, especially staying on track with your goals.