45: Holiday Guide to Food and Mind
Thinking about the holidays and the must-haves that contribute to a joyous season? Well, we have you covered here at the Running Lifestyle Show.
We’re talking all things food with Serena Marie, RD, mindset with Jan Hoath, and running-related apps with listener of the week Grant Crowell.
Here are some holiday tips from our friend Serena Marie, RD:
Serena Marie RD's Rules to Live By This Holiday Season
1. Pick your Indulgences!
This is the busiest time of year, and between shopping, soirees and all-the-darn-cooking, it's easy to let health slip to the sidelines. The thing about this time of year, however, is that you probably have the next few weekends (and maybe even some week nights!) planned out for you already. Cocktail parties, holiday fiestas, grab bag get-togethers and drinks with friends tend to inundate the calendar before the first snowflake even falls!
What's a busy gal (or guy) to do? Well, I recommend grabbing your calendar (whether it's on Outlook, your iPhone or good ole' pen & paper) and picking a few select parties where you know you'll want to overindulge. Whether it's for grandma's famous stuffing or when you see your long lost best friend once a year, pick three to five events where anything goes between November and January 1st. Knowing you have treat days in your future makes it a little easier to pass up on the more day-to-day holiday treats, such as a pumpkin flavored cupcake or a gingerbread latte.
Another great way to pick your indulgences is by "picking a poison": Starch, alcohol or dessert. For some, this strategy may work best. When you arrive to your social scene, ask yourself if you're going to splurge on some gluten free pasta, a cocktail (or two!) or with a decadent dessert. Just be careful not to adapt the "Well, I already ruined this meal anyway..." attitude, where one less-than-perfect food choice cascades into a whole boatload of poor choices. Doing this too often can make you feel groggy during the most joyful time of year!
2. Eat your veggies!
Ever the veggie fanatic, you know vegetables are always going to sneak their way into my list of recommendations! The perfect way to nosh the night away without guilt is to load up on veggies! Pile your plate high with salad, crunchy crudité and yummy apps made with nutrient-dense, non-starchy veggies.
3. Stay Active!
Burrrr! It's cold outside...and you're busier (and more stressed out!) than ever! Sounds like a recipe for inactivity.
It's important to stay on top of your fitness game, even during the chilly days of the holiday season. Make it a social event by planning to work out with a girlfriend, or call your mom and talk on the phone while walking. Running out of time (or daylight) to get in long runs? Head to your gym and jump on a spin bike or a treadmill. Do intervals of high resistance or high intensity to get your heart rate up in a short amount of time. Save time and keep that metabolism revved!
Serena Marie RD-N, CD/N
Proprietor of Serena Marie RD
@SerenaMarieRD / Facebook Page
Jan Hoath:
Jan shared with us what the Happiness Prism is and how we can use it during the day to make sure our energy is showing up each day, especially during the holidays.
Find Jan:
Website: www.nuturetheleader.com
Twitter: @Janhoath
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NurtureTheLeader
Grant Crowell came on to discuss why he runs (hint: we have one of the same traits) and his favorite apps to run with when he’s not listening to the Running Lifestyle Show.
Find Grant:
Facebook: grantcrowell
Twitter Address: @grantcrowell
Website: about.me/grantcrowell
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to www.karigormley.com/disclaimer.