Healthy Habits: Thanksgiving Edition

With the holiday weekend upon us, we are all most likely looking forward to the long weekend. Usually when September hits we strive to find our routine again and getting back into the swing of things. I don't know about you, but this fall for me it has been a challenge to get back into the routine that I crave. This past summer was so much busier than years before. With COVID19 restrictions lifting many were trying to catch up on lost time. It has been a struggle to return back to the day to day routine of having time to meal prep, self care, journaling etc. When holidays approach I often find myself thinking about setting new goals for the coming months, including fitness goals, and although I'm excited to be surrounded by loved ones and indulging in pumpkin pie, lots of turkey and I cannot stress enough the mashed potatoes...by the end of the weekend sometimes it can feel discouraging how far I've fallen "off track" and how challenging it might be to "reset".

Let's try to avoid being hard on ourselves for that piece of pie, or that second helping of mashed potatoes and instead think about a few small habits we can add. One of the hardest things about a full reset is the feeling of failure if we are unable to sustain or keep up with the plan we set for ourselves. We can be hard on ourselves and in the end, give up on the plan, telling ourselves we'll start fresh in the new year.

It takes time to build a new habit and when we try to change and modify everything all at once we are definitely setting ourselves up for failure.

Here are a few helpful tips or small habit changes that you can consider incorporating for a happier and healthier you after the holiday weekend:

1. Add some activity: Maybe a family hike before the feast begins. Here in Port Perry, we are surrounded by many nice trails. With Uxbridge close by and nicknamed the "Trail Capital of Canada" there are many options to discover. Or stroll for a nice walk after your meal downtown or along the water's board walk, or even just around the neighbourhood before slumping down on the couch. This can help to offset that turkey dinner

2. Include active family games: Game night after the feast is another great way to get some activity in. Charades is a family favourite of ours, and yes this requires a lot of physical effort! Here's some ideas for minute-to-win-it style games that are also a great time for the whole family.

3. Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day before your big meal.

4. Eating small healthy meals/snacks prior to the big feast: Make sure to fuel your body in the morning, consider a veggie platter to snack on throughout the day.

5. Eat your veggies first: When sitting down for your big meal, start by eating the veggies first, to make sure you get those greens in before you're full from all your hearty favourites.

6. Slow down: Savour the food you are eating. Take smaller bites, chew a little more. Put your fork down in between bites. Enjoy the food you are eating, savour every taste.

7. Be realistic: This is not the time to consider large changes and high expectations. Instead of trying to change everything at once, or focusing on weight loss, try to consider maintenance. Maintaining those healthy habits you currently are implementing will set you up to stick with the healthy habits you are implementing.

8. Focus on friends and family around you: Focus your energy on the quality time you have with your loved ones. Enjoy each other's company. Your soul will thank you for it!

I am all about the small wins! So be proud of yourself for adding any of the above into your holiday weekend. And if you don't, tomorrow is a brand new day, where you are able to start fresh and try again. It takes time for habits to form, be kind to yourself and change will come, one day at a time. Those habits you form today, will make future you very grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!