We are going to be dancing, hanging out, singing carols, carving turkey, barbecuing, baking, marinating, and clinking our glasses to a new year in a bit. Giving gifts, visiting, travelling will be in full swing, with eating and drinking taking centre stage and before we know it, we’ll be wishing each other a happy new year, settling into a new year with bigger hopes and expectations, and most likely some extra pounds leaving your wallet and hanging to your waistline.
So we’ll be having an extra goal added to our year plan. The goal is to lose weight, as if we don’t already have enough on our plates. It doesn’t have to be so, though. And this will require a little intentionality on our part.
There are some things you may want to consider. They’re easy to do and will ensure that even if you gain weight, it won’t be something that would be noticeable or difficult to shake off.
You can make the rules, and if it’s possible to get your family to agree, it’ll be a success.
- Drinks. The kids and I decided we wouldn’t have any fizzy drinks this season. If we can’t get juices, then good old room-temperature sparkling water will have to do. After all, nothing flushes the system and quenches thirst like water. This way, we’re saving our system from having to deal with that ridiculous sugar load that takes months to surmount.
- Eliminate Stress. As we’ll be dining with family and having guests come around, cooking will come with the terrain. And you and I know cooking is a lot of work. Once you’re stressed out, your body may release cortisol into the bloodstream, and this is the world’s number one cause of weight gain. With cortisol in your bloodstream, weight loss will be an uphill task. So do everything possible to avoid this strain. If it’s possible to outsource, do so. If not, do your best and leave the rest. I have heard of some groups of friends and families who take turns in hosting each other. That sounds like a good plan because it means whenever I’m not hosting, I can rest. In native communities, all hands are on deck, contributing to the cooking, so it’s easier for everyone.
- Sleep. Prioritise getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. One of the ways the brain heals, recovers and relaxes is via sleep. Sleep is as important as eating healthy and exercising. When we say sleep, your body has to undergo the 4 stages of sleep. Very important. This will enable your body to rest and function at its best the next day.
- Fasting. We all know a little more about fasting than average. What many do not think achievable is the possibility of still fasting during the holidays. Since fasting has to do with eating windows and nutritional timing, you can easily and conveniently have all the yummy meals within a time frame and cease eating until the next eating window.
- Being Active. The entire holiday doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around food. You can plan fun activities everyone can engage in from very active games and sports to simple walks and cycling. Even dancing. This will keep you actively burning calories and releasing those endorphins.
- Proteins and Vegetables. When it comes down to what you put on your plate, you can never go wrong with proteins and veggies. Eat enough or a lot of this and you’ll be fine. Proteins will keep you fuller for longer, while veggies will give you the much-needed fibre your body needs to get things moving in your alimentary canal.
- Water. You need enough of these to flush your system. Your skin, liver, and kidneys love water. Two glasses first thing in the morning. Another two glasses before bedtime and the rest of the glasses during the day.
- Bond. As there’ll be lots of people around with much to eat and drink, this is a good time to bond at the dinner table over quality conversations and fun games. So it’s a good idea to do these in the absence of television and away from phones and social media. It’s a good time to shut out all the noise in the outside world and just focus on family, friends and yourself.
Try all these and start the year with weight loss neatly crossed off your list.
Happy Holidays.
Joy Mfon Essien is an Entrepreneur and the CEO, of Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks and Delicioso Foods. Writer, TV presenter and producer, Wellness Coach and mom of two.
