A healthy holiday season: Is it possible?

By Victoria Bentley, Big Sky Weekly Contributor

When we focus on the New Year,
we think about starting fresh. Most
of us come out of the trenches from
the holiday season glad it’s over,
needing rest and recovery. We get
caught up in the parties, keeping
up with work, last-minute gift
buying and thoughts like I’ll start
my workout, new diet or time for
myself in the new year. But does it
ever come to fruition? Not usually.
So instead, try going into the holiday
season with a mindfulness that
now is the time to stay centered,
continuing a healthy lifestyle, or
get one started. Maybe that sounds
unattainable, but it isn’t.
Our lives are demanding and
overwhelming on many different
levels, especially this time of year.
Knowing this allows us to focus on
what we can control: our response
to holiday stressors. You can create
your own positive responses to
these stressors, while crowding out
the negative.
Negative thought: I don’t have time
to exercise or eat healthy.
Positive response: I can always find
time because I always feel better
when I do.
I know you’re thinking, yeah right,
Torie. But the more we realize
the power we have to make better
choices, the easier it becomes.
What motivates you? Take some
thoughtful time to find personal
reasons. Share it with friends
or your significant other. This
will keep you accountable. The
negative responses within us are
irrational and wholly inaccurate.
The ability to move forward and
away from these thoughts is fueled
by our own personal motivators. It
really is that simple.
Look at the month of December
with fresh eyes this year. Gear up
for the holiday season with a mindset
that you can maintain or create a
healthy lifestyle.
Here are some tools to avoid sabotaging
thoughts:
• Find ways to increase movement
and activity. Get out your
planner and schedule workout
times through the holiday
season. This will help with
focus and remove the negative
thought of I don’t have
time. Whether you’re going to
the office, a store or a holiday
party, park farther away. A
longer walk to your destination
will feel great.
• Focus on healthy eating and
partying. Choose good proteins,
veggies and fruits with little
to no refined, processed carbs.
Don’t deprive yourself, but
your resolve will be stronger
when you fuel yourself well.
When you fill your party plate
step away from the buffet
table. That will keep wandering
fingers away from mindless
snacking.
• Enjoy the yummy pie, but
share it with someone you love.
That’s even sweeter!
Victoria Bentley
is the owner
and director of
Bentley Bodies, a
premiere mindbody
wellness
boutique committed
to healthy
lifestyle choices.
Locations are in Big Sky and Bozeman.
bentleybodies.net