Challenge 2, Day 11: Eating Healthy during the Holiday Season

If you are like me, and happen to pack on an extra 10 pounds during the holiday season, you'll enjoy this read courtesy of the lovely Veronika of Veronika's Blushing (who is 14 weeks pregnant! Congratulations, future fashionista mama!) and Erin O'Leary Stewart of DEFINE Body & Mind. These are amazing tips to keep up healthy eating between Thanksgiving and New Year's!

Yummy, but... I should really avoid those holiday treats!

1. Keep the Holi 'days' to a Minimum
There are only a few days that the Holidays are actually intended for. Don't make an excuse to overeat the entire two remaining months of the year. Treat non-Holiday days in December as days you would any other week. Don't throw in the towel and wait for New Year's resolutions quite yet!
(Note from yours truly: Glad we decided not to wait on starting another challenge!)

2. Visit the People, Not the Food
Remember that you're celebrating and visiting with family and friends during this time of year. Find the talkers at the party and hang with them, not the ones moseying around the food table.

3.Tune In
Ask yourself how hungry you really are before indulging. Then ask yourself the same question half-way through clearing your plate. Do the same with your second glass of wine. And then again if you get to your third.

4. Slow Down
Enjoy conversation and put your fork down occasionally. Take your time when eating and nurse your drinks!

5. Eat This, Not That
Keep your plate mostly veggies and savor your favorite indulgent items with just a few bites. Better yet, take matters into your own hands by offering to bring your favorite healthy dish! Consider roasted butternut squash instead of mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie over cookies and cakes.

6. Skip the Sugary Drinks
Avoid the eggnog and the peppermint-flavored cocktail. Enjoy a glass or two of wine, not a whole bottle. When you binge drink, your body may not be able to metabolize fat for up to 72 hours while your liver is dealing with the alcohol. So that great morning-after workout won't even be that effective in this area!

7. Get Movin'
Be as active as possible. Whether it's a yoga class, a bike ride or a family football game, just get up a go. Food cravings are often anxiety-related. When the cravings come on, go for a walk. The calming practice of mindful movement can be very beneficial.

8. Hit Restart
If (or when) you do over eat or drink one night, remember tomorrow is a new day. Don't beat yourself up. Get back on track! Start with a big glass of water with lots of lemon and a green juice before consuming your first meal of the day. This will help your body focus on detoxing, rather than on breaking down complex foods.