It’s that time of year again when someone like me writes an article about your health this holiday season. Don’t worry, I won’t be telling you to get another exercise DVD that will only collect dust in your stocking. I’ll try not to give the same advice you hear year after year (and usually end up dismissing).
You want to be healthy so you can enjoy time with the ones you love. You may be busy thinking about holiday parties, preparing and enjoying delectable meals and checking lists, so may not be spending time taking care of yourself. Besides getting another workout DVD, the last thing you want to be doing is reading another fitness article overloading you with the same advice yet again.
Commit to the elephant in the room
You don’t want to be told what to do so I won’t tell you to eat less or hit the gym. Let’s have you decide what to do — but I need you to be honest. There’s a good chance you will fall into the same traps this year that you fell into in the past. Ask yourself a few questions: Am I happy with my current state? What have I learned from the past? Can I anticipate the obstacles that I’ll face this season? The biggest mistake you can make is making the same mistake again.
Now answer this question: What is the biggest challenge you will face, the obstacle that you know will be there? Do you eat too much too fast? Do you drink too much alcohol? Do you find every possible excuse not to exercise? Whatever it is, just focus on that and set a small, attainable and realistic goal for yourself. It’s when we feel defeated after trying to control everything that the wheels start to fall off. This is when we say, “Forget it,” and fall back into unhealthy patterns. “I already messed up, so I might as well go all out.”
Take control
So just choose one aspect of your health and wellness:
“I will limit myself to one glass of wine at the holiday parties I attend.”
“I will chew my food slowly instead of eating too fast and getting overstuffed.”
“I will add in 10 extra minutes of exercise per day to help with some of the extra calories.”
This doesn’t seem like much, but that’s the point. You need to find some behaviors that you can manage realistically. It’s when we set too many unattainable goals that we can’t achieve any of them.
Additionally, keep in mind that there are many ways to eat nutritiously, exercise properly and live healthfully. Be suspicious of people who tell you that “This is the best way” or “You have to do this, because it works the best.” What may work for some people may not necessarily work for you and you may not even have a lot of interest in it. Be especially cautious if additional costs are involved. Truth is, there are a lot of good ways. You just need to find the best way that works for you and your current lifestyle.
The gift that keeps on giving
Send me your goal for the holiday season and I will choose one lucky reader to receive a complimentary Tier 4 assessment at the exclusive E club at Equinox Greenwich. Tweet me at @GiovanniRoselli or go through the contact page on my website GiovanniRoselli.com. How’s that to kick-start your holiday fitness plan?
The best gift you could give and receive during this holiday season is knowing that you and the people you love are happy and healthy. Find the one thing that is glaring but that you can control, own it and then go out and enjoy the holidays.
Start wherever you are. Use whatever you have. Do whatever you can.
Happy holidays!
