I have notoriously bad balance. I have fallen down while trying to lean against a wall, have mistimed my landing during a round of double dutch and knocked out a tooth and Jackie‘s Wii tells me I have the balance of someone three times my age. I’m 31. Do the math.
This, by the way, was one of my proudest moments — the fact that I held this long enough for a picture astounded even me.
This jumping picture outtake was more like it.
Hawt.
Anywho, my fellow Fitfluential ambassadors and I are sharing our tips for having a balanced holiday season, and despite the above evidence, I do think I have a plan that will work for you. It works for me.
Because I define holiday balance thusly:
Making {mostly} good choices, while soaking up all that the season brings; finding peace and harmony and {mostly} biting my tongue when stressful situations bring me to my breaking point. Remembering that it’s a holiDAY, not a holiWEEK and that being healthy during the holidays will set me up for being healthy all year long. Laughing, singing, hugging and sleeping whenever possible.
So, in order to make my definition ring true, here are five things I’ll be trying to accomplish between now and January 2nd.
1. Sleep
This is not the time of year to stay out all night or get up crazy early for workouts. I know that I’m a more patient, more easygoing person when I’ve had a great night’s sleep. So between the parties and special events, I’m devoting myself to hitting the snooze button.
2. Stress Relief
Yoga. Wine. A good book. I’m going to indulge in all of the things that quiet my mind and soul. I know that by building up my bank of patience, I’m less likely to snap at people when I’m on the edge.
3. Seasonal Special Sweets (Only)
I’ve used this mantra before, but it especially applies during the holidays. Grandma’s cookies? Eat up. The grocery store fruitcake and box of cheap chocolates? Pass. The special stuff only comes once a year, so I’m going to enjoy every bite but let the other stuff go.
4. Sweat
Lots and lots of sweat. I’m going to use my days off to do extra classes at the gym, and I’m hoping to line some stuff up with friends. I’ll be running, cycling, swimming, doing yoga and much more. I don’t like to think that calories burned earn me extra food BUT it will help mitigate the extra calories I’ll be taking in.
5. Serenity
I would have called this forgiveness, but I was too in love with the “s” theme. I will make choices that I regret, I’m sure. And I’ll probably break rules 1-4. But I’m going to remember that the season will pass, and I’ll have 51 other weeks to regroup.
I’ll also be eating balanced meals, with {mostly} whole foods, because I know that will help me stave off hunger and make it less likely to dig into the sweets.
And if you’re ready to do the same, I have a great giveaway for you! It’s very rare for me to do this on the blog, but I’m a big fan of Chobani, and I’m excited about a holiday party they’re throwing on Twitter tonight (Thursday, 8pm ET). Just use #ChobaniKitchen to take part!
And if you leave me a comment below, sharing one thing you’re committed to doing for a healthy holiday season, you could win a package of three 32oz Chobani yogurt tubs in 0% Plain, 2% Plain and %0 Vanilla. Canadian readers, feel free to enter — the giveaway changes slightly for you, as the only flavor available is 0% plain (my favorite, anyway!).
I’ll pick one winner at random from the comments at 5pmET on Friday, December 16th. Leave as many comments as you’d like, but only one counts as an entry.
About Katy
I am committed to my work out schedule! I am sticking to 4-6 workouts a week no matter what!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans recently posted..Work Out Wednesday: Bootcamp
I love this post and your psuedo random opening; so fun! I am committed to my workouts during this crazy time. Most of my posts this week have talked about focusing on little things and not trying to be unrealistic. I’m working harder during my allotted workout time in order to sweat as much as possible! I need to get better this next week about doing just what you said, save room for amazing, special, meaningful seasonal sweets and kick the boxed crap to the curb!
I think you’re next “yoga pose in front of a NASA shuttle” should be handstand.
And plain is my favorite flavor of their yogurt as well!
Alicia from Poise in Parma recently posted..my guest post at It All Changes: Getting Real During The Holidays
I love you tips for balance and will definitely be keeping them in mind in the upcoming weeks. This holiday season I’m committed taking advantage of extra time to spend with my family. I’ve been non-stop lately with work and studying for the GMAT, and I’m finally taking some time off work. Although I’ll still need to study and try to workout, I also want to make sure I spend time with my loved ones.
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups recently posted..Virgin Olive Market
I scheduled trainier sessions for the last three weeks of the year.
Lyn @ Life Lyn Style recently posted..Our Home-Canned Inventory
I’m sending you a bunch of my stay calm vibes…I have LOTS of them these days…HUGS!
Lynna recently posted..Technicolor sunrise…
I definitely make sure to get in a workout every day!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Surviving Holiday Eating (And Giveaway)
I love the sweat – if you do over-indulge it help to get it out and get yourself over it faster!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..The Christmas Spirit
hey I’ll take plain
my biggest tip is to know your limitations … don’t have grand ideas of what you can do or give, just do what you can
for example, I wanted to make all these homemade food gifts to add on to the presents for my family members, but I’m having a mole on my hand removed tomorrow which is going to have about 5 stitches, so there’s no way I’m going to be in a position to cook all weekend
I’m with ya on the bad balance/clumsiness. Last week I ran over my own foot. I’m always covered in bruises! Love your list of 5.
This season I refused to get caught up in the media hype of “Hurry! Time is running out! It’s already last minute!” There’s still 10 days until Christmas! That’s NOT last minute. I don’t have much left to do but I plan to be calm about it, and enjoy it
I make sure not to skip any meals. If I do, I end up starving and overeating. Balance is key!
Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews recently posted..Erin Condren Review and Giveaway
Eating full meals (and not skipping them due to being too busy) in order to guarantee I don’t overeat the (albeit yummy) “crap” at parties/events/get-togethers…
I plan on hitting up more classes on days off too. It’s nice to be able to fit in a mid-day yoga class that I could never normally attend because I am typically at work.
This holiday season is going to be pretty low-key for me, so not much really will change. I try to enjoy most things in moderation anyway but need to be careful of the holiday boozing because of the uptick in party invites.
Dina recently posted..Blog Recipe Roundup
So fun to read these posts. It seems like our tips for balance (ours being collectively, throughout the FF ones I have read) overlap a ton, but everyone has their own unique viewpoint. Enjoy your holidays, katy!
Courtney (Pancakes and Postcards) recently posted..What is Holiday Balance, Anyways?
You mean I’m not the only one the Wii laughs at when doign a balance test? Mine mocks me!
Funny, I just posted this week that the holidays are not excuse – I have several events coming up that will mean rich, decadent foods. That means the rest of the time I need to make sure I eat better, sticking with whole foods, home cooked dinners, and avoiding junk!
My marathon training taper began this week, but that still means 12-15 mile long runs, so as long as I hit my workouts, I should be OK.
Kris recently posted..WEverb11 #15 – Surprise
My goal for the holidays is to not over indulge during the huge meals at various family gatherings. It can be easy to overload the plate because everyone else is. Plus, I’m planning to make healthier choices among all of the super rich food at those family gatherings.
For some reason, I haven’t been able to get into the plain chobani. I’m more of a vanilla or most of the other flavors type of person.
Ellen recently posted..Explore: #Oneword2011
I’m committed to bringing a healthy food option with me to all events. I did so last week, bringing sauteed green beans (so easy; so yummy) to a family party at which there are, typically, no healthy options. My huge platter of green beans was empty before anything else on the buffet table – which tells me that my family will eat healthy, given the option. I love that!
Like you, I’m committed to eating only carefully chosen seasonal sweets. I’m also committing to practicing gratitude this holiday season. I want to make sure the many great people in mylife know how fortunate I feel to get to spend time with them!
we have a lot of family gatherings during the holidays. i keep myself balanced by trying food and treats that are special to the holidays and only eating my favorite things from each house. i don’t eat things that i can get all year (except for veggies!).
sarah (sarah learns) recently posted..overnight oats
I never figured something from the middle of upstate NY (and I mean middle of nowhere, 20 minutes or so from where I grew up) would become a national/international? phenomenon. I guess besides my wife, ..oh and I guess your husband too, great things do come from small towns.
I’m committed to getting enough sleep on the 24th so that I don’t spend the 25th cranky and yawny! And I have Chobani in my fridge right now. They are a wonderful company and have great yogurt.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..C-c-c-cooking with Ch-ch-ch-chia seeds!
I always look forward to the holidays. I can’t wait for the snow, the two weeks break from school, and best of all, Christmas.
cameronhenrich@spamblocking360 recently posted..Spam Buster Overview
I agree with the seasonal special sweets only goal. There’s a lot of candy and whatnot at work, but I can eat that anytime. Grandma’s pecan pie, however…
I try to stay in check over the holidays by loading veggies and fruit on my plate for meals while still saving some room for special dishes. Then instead of hopping up from the table right away to go back for seconds, I sit and chat for a while to let the food settle so I can let satiety set in. I definitely still leave room for special treats.
Alyssa @ Don’t Look Down recently posted..Remember that one time when…chuck that newspaper
Thank you for mentioning sleep. People so undervalue it and I keep shouting it from my sleep lab just go to bed. My commitment is to get in my walks at least 5 days a week during the holiday because it makes me feel better. I am still trying to find my exercise niche but while i am experimenting I will take any suggestions of new things to try.
I use Chobani all the time but my fav is to make it a red pepper dip with garlic and green onion and make cucumber chips to go with it.
Amy Reavis recently posted..Support Is the Essential Secret Ingredient
One thing I am commited to doing to keep balances over the holidays is stay on track with my workouts. I may slip up a bit with food, but I intend to continue my workout routine.
I’m with you on the sleep. In fact, I try to make sure I get eight hours 5-6 nights per week. It makes EVERYTHING in life go better — more productive, more pleasant, more peaceful.
And so excited about a Chobani giveaway! I discovered Chobani about three years ago and have been totally hooked ever since.
Michele @ Within Reach recently posted..Emerge from the fog…
I say that you should be more proud that you held that pose…whilst wearing JEANS!
I am committed to allowing myself to have a treat this Christmas. I usually never eat sweets.
I love this! I try to do the same thing with the sweets. I’m actually making sure I get my AM workouts in as things seem to be popping up every afternoon. I regret it when I don’t! And im giving of gift of a track club membership to my best friend this year!
I’m actually a fan of the holiweek
I love the homemade goodies and appetizers that are only around this time of year! Our Christmas dinner is a sit down meal and usually pretty healthy.
I’m choosing to eat what I want (when I want it) and leave the rest. The holidays are no place for food guilt!
Lauren recently posted..Embracing the Present (& Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup)
I’m committed to drinking lots and lots of water this holiday season – here’s to hoping the habit sticks!
I wrote a strikingly similar list of goals for myself the other day (http://eatplayluvblog.com/2011/12/13/id-rather-watch-the-today-show/) ! Good luck with it all.
I’ve committed to not letting the little stuff bother me–even if that’s fitting in workouts right now. My number one priority is adjusting to my new job. My number two priority: SLEEP. (I’ve been rocking that one.)
Theodora recently posted..Surf’s Up!
I’m definitely committing to exercise during the holidays! I tend to not worry too much about all the cookies I eat and just strive to balance it out with activity and healthy meals between bites of cookie…
Im committed to keeping up with my half marathon training during the holidays! Took one week off after my Vegas half, but I’m right back on track this week!
Getting enough sleep counts right! And keeping up with my workouts…holidays are NO reason to stop working out!
looking at your list reminded me of how little sleep i get, it’s the area that i struggle with on a regular basis.. like now it’s 10:36PM, my daughter is sleeping, I should be sleeping, but noooo i’m blog surfing
thanks for the tips
Bummed that I missed the Chobani Twitter party. They are the one healthy food my husband has gone crazy for. (He was not impressed by Kale chips!). I’ve been skimping on sleep even without the holiday squeeze. I need to move it closer to the top of my list.
Coco recently posted..Three Things Thursday (The Half-Baked Edition)
I have awfully bad balance too, I can fall if I close my eyes. Do you really mean that all these things can help me? Wow! I’ll tell my Hubby then not to make ME wake up to the kids tomorrow morning, ‘cuz I need my healing sleep.
Anna recently posted..teeth straightening without braces
I’m committed to drinking enough water daily!!
Holly recently posted..Lone Yogi
I’m committed to drinking enough water daily (especially since I’m still sick)
I am committed to walking each day no matter what the weather is….I live in the snow zone lol
thanks
Im working out and trying to manage my stress better!
the key my holiday season is portion control, control the amount you eat, if it’s indulging, and control your schedule. pick and choose what works for you, and try to maintain some routine
My plan is really just to follow my plan. Exercise six times per week and eat small & often (300 calories every 3 hours). My brand new braces will likely keep me away from anything sticky or sweet, so I just have up use their inconvenience to my advantage.
Gillian recently posted..White Bread Is Bad For Me