Since this will be my last post for this week, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I am thankful for a wonderful job and the opportunity to get to work with you! I am looking forward to a fun-filled next few days with family. My family, just like many of you, always has a spread of food at gatherings and every time we ask ourselves why do we over-prepare every time! I think it’s bred into us that we can never run out of food and it’s better to have more than not enough. I am human and will enjoy a few cookies, caramels, and sweets, however I will be practicing what I preach for the most part. My top priority in the morning of a gathering is to get my exercise in. I always feel better and am able to fully enjoy the day of eating and festivities when I have gotten my exercise in (I’m sure Dr. Dan would agree!). Another thing I do is I always bring a healthy dish to share. Last year I brought fruit salsa and this year I am bringing the veggie tray (the picture is my colorful veggie tray I brought to Thanksgiving). There will be plenty of un-healthy items to enjoy that it’s nice to have the option of healthy food…especially when the mindless eating happens. Speaking of that mindless eating…that is another thing I try to practice. I really try to pay attention to how hungry and how full I am. This helps me decide when and how much to eat, rather than just grazing and not realizing how much I am taking in. And most of all, stop and smell the roses (for lack of a better phrase)! Christmas is a time to reflect on the real meaning and fully enjoy why we celebrate it. Take time to visit and engage with your loved ones. The food will always be there and there are no rules that say you have to clean your plate…instead use the extra food for leftovers and spread the enjoyment of the food into a few days rather than eating it in one sitting. These are a just few things that help me get through the holiday festivities without packing on the pounds, while fully enjoying it. I encourage you to eat mindfully, bring a healthy dish to share, and get your exercise in! I wish you all a very blessed Christmas!
-Kelsey
