"By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail"
- Benjamin Franklin
With fall just around the corner, it’s vital to prepare for the wonderful time that is the holidays. I don’t mean preparation for gifting and event planning. I mean preparing your strategy to come out of the holiday season healthier than you went into it. We all know we’re about to be surrounded by an overabundance of opportunities to eat more sugar, drink more alcohol, stress more, and sleep less. If you want to buck the trend this year on weight gain, seasonal illness, and heart attacks. Here’s your guide to actually start the New Year with positive momentum in your health goals:
1. Move Early
Getting movement in early in your day is your best chance of making it happen and it will improve your brain and body chemistry. This is a great time of year for weekend morning hikes. Short on time during the week? Search "7 Minute Workout" in your app store.
2. Maximize Sleep Quality
Let's be honest, you're going to stay up later with many holiday festivities. Maximize your restoration time. Blackout your room. Avoid electronics before bed. Take an evening walk. Wind down with prayer or meditation.
3. Focus on Protein
Holiday gatherings are surrounded by food that often times doesn't support our fitness goals. Focus on eating protein first. This will steady out your blood sugar and make it less likely for you to overeat on sugary food.
4. Get Accountability
Hard things aren't meant to be done alone. Find a friend, partner, or professional to help you stay focused on the daily habits and actions. This is often the difference between winning and losing in the weak moments we all have.