Enjoying Christmas without the guilt

Beach House on Sutton @ Redcliffe

Christmas can be a magical time of year.  It is also full of possible challenges and rewards.  Everyone is busy making plans and organising activities around Christmas Day and the holiday season.  Chances for catching up with family and friends as well as feeling stressed at times in the build up.

Just as it is best for us to endeavour to stick to a budget as far as gift giving and activities, we are better off not blowing out our food intake plan too much so we don't have to regret it later.

I myself think it's best to let myself enjoy Christmas dinner, whilst having small portions of the food and drink I like the most.  Everyone has their favourite types of food and there is no need to be too strict for one day.  As long as I don't do it for a full week or a month, everything in moderation.  Enjoy the spirit of Christmas as much as you can I say.

Merry Christmas!

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

How to handle Christmas Party Food, Drink and Gifts

It's good to make the most of whatever type of Christmas parties or lunches you fit into your schedule in the lead up to Christmas Day, so here are a few tips -

• eat something healthy beforehand if you need to
• take something healthy (or not so tempting) with you if you are to "bring a plate"
• take a low calorie drink with you or alternate with water
• chat to people at the food table but don't live there - move away
• focus on talking to and meeting new people rather than food and alcohol
• ask others about themselves or compliment them to focus on others
• have a little of whatever you fancy food wise without going overboard
• if you know you can't stop with "trigger foods" don't go there
• enjoy some music, activities, dance or go for a stroll to get you moving
• be careful giving people food and alcohol gifts if they might have an allergy (or are on "a diet")
• if someone gives you a high calorie food or drink feel free to pass it on to another
• don't be afraid to say you've already eaten or have had enough for now
• you can even say you have to be careful of your health if necessary
• remember to put your own health and goals first

I have reached my weight loss goals.  I still like to eat healthy and improve but know I am free to have a bit of something I like without blowing it.  A little one day isn't a problem, but if you do it the whole festive season it will add up of course.

I've finished my Christmas shopping a bit early luckily within budget so don't have to keep rushing around.  Gradually catching up with friends.

I hope you enjoy the get-togethers in the lead up and choose the events and food choices that are worthwhile for you.  Let me know if you have any questions or comments to share.

Barbejeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Balancing body image and getting in shape

Balancing accepting your body how it is + getting healthy and in shape can be an issue for people in society these days.  Advertising like the above sign can be very effective getting people's attention as long as it doesn't just lead to shaming by others or more self-loathing and no change (or even more money down the drain).

I also noticed a documentary called Embrace about body image being talked about on a tv show this week.  They talked about how 91% of women aren't happy with their bodies and the documentary maker Taryn Brumfitt realised she wasn't really happy before she had kids either and was into body building.  She wants people to embrace their body as it is as they live their life.

I believe we are better off finding a balance between accepting ourselves where we are whilst also doing what we can to get healthier and in more in shape.  There is always room for improvement as long as we remember to be realistic and gentle with ourselves, so we don't give up altogether. 

Here are some of the areas I continue to work on even after losing weight -

• weight maintenance
• eating healthier
• getting fitter
• getting more toned
• having more energy
• better posture
• having fun

Be the best you can be.  You are worth the effort.  It's a life long lifestyle choice.

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS