10 Ways to Prepare for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

You’ve probably read dozens of articles that offer advice on how to “survive the holidays” when you’re trying to lose weight. Survive? What happened to experiencing the joy of the season, feeling merry and being happy? No one wants to just survive the holidays, like they’re a lagoon full of crocodiles. You want to enjoy them! By making just a few strategic preparations beforehand, you can experience a healthy and happy holiday.

Here are 10 simple ways to prepare for a healthy and happy holiday season:

1. Define “happy”.

What are your favorite things about the holidays? Make a list of what makes you happy during this special time of year. Gift-giving, gift-getting, bringing out the family heirloom table or tree decorations, writing cards, making holiday crafts, the annual neighborhood party or the delicious tastes of family meals: mom’s stuffing, Nana’s pizzelles, the buttery taste of Aunt Rose’s challah bread.

Chances are, one of your favorite things is the feeling of warmth and togetherness as the whole family draws together to enjoy each other. When you’re tempted to eat one extra holiday cookie or take another dip into the party punch, pull out your list. It will serve as a reminder that you have plenty of other ways to enjoy the holidays, so you won’t feel the least bit deprived.

2. Don’t skip meals.

Even if you know there’s a big feed on the agenda, don’t “save up” for it by skipping your healthy Nutrisystem meals. You don’t want to face temptation hungry.

3. Stock up on seltzer.

According to the National Health Service, alcoholic drinks may affect the brain chemicals that tell your appetite to call it a day. Researchers explain that despite consuming loads of calories in alcoholic beverages, you may end up eating more than when you are sober.

If you’d like to indulge in a glass of wine at the holiday party, fill your glass half or two-thirds of the way up with seltzer water before you add any alcohol. Bonus: Holding a glass of plain or mixed seltzer usually stops your host from trying to give you more!

4. Volunteer.

Consider signing up to help at the local soup kitchen or pet shelter over the holidays. You’re not only helping others in need, you’re helping yourself. According to Mayo Clinic, studies have found that people who volunteer can beat depression and lower stress levels, both common risks over the holidays. It can also help with keeping you physically and mentally healthy. Bring the family with you and start a new, happy holiday tradition.

5. Dance.

If you get stressed or depressed when the holidays roll around, turn on the music and get moving. You don’t have to be a scientist to figure out that it’s really hard to feel bad when you’re dancing. But science can prove it: A 2015 study, published in European Journal of Sport Science, compared the moods of recreational ballroom dancers and those who dance competitively. Researchers found that the less rigorous workout by amateurs resulted in less stress and more pleasure, even after the last notes were sounded. Even better: Dancing away the blues can burn up to 518 calories per hour (depending on the type of dance and speed), says the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. So, dance away the blues and stay happy this holiday season.

6. Plan a holiday hike… or two.

And bring as many family members along as you can! According to Healthline, walking provides a host of health benefits, such as burning calories, increasing energy and improving heart health, immunity and mood. Along with these perks, family walks also offer an interrupted time to connect with each other without distraction.

7. Keep your hands (and mind) busy.

If you relish the time you spend making holiday cookies, transfer your DIY yearnings to something that isn’t food. Many park departments, arboretums and garden clubs offer classes on how to make holiday wreaths and centerpieces, force bulbs or create fairy gardens. Learn to bead, knit and quilt at your local fabric store or art center to create homemade holiday gifts your family will love.

8. Take a moment—often.

It’s so easy to get carried away over the holidays—planning, prepping, shopping, buying, decorating, cooking, wrapping. Just the thought can make your blood pressure rise. Mindfulness—a meditative technique that helps you focus on the present moment (and not all the other moments you’re planning for)—may be your solution.

According to the magazine Today’s Dietitian, mindful practices have been shown to help develop better eating habits and a “higher well-being in daily life.” Think of it as putting yourself on pause, during which you pay close attention to what you’re feeling and sensing in the moment, without making any judgments. It can help you calm down, sidestep a craving and remind yourself of your ultimate goals, leading to better choices.

9. Relax anywhere.

Become instantly calm with simple, deep breathing techniques, no matter what’s going on around you. According to Medical News Today, a specific breathing technique called “4-7-8” may help decrease stress, improve sleep and control cravings. It involves breathing in quietly through your nose for four seconds, holding for seven seconds, then exhaling for eight seconds, making a soft whoosh sound (repeat up to four times). Just make sure to speak with your doctor before adding this practice to your routine to ensure this is the right technique for you.

10. Give yourself the gift of forgiveness.

You planned ahead to do the right thing and stick to your weight loss plan. However, holiday treats still tempt you and a few sneak onto your plate. Don’t beat yourself up. Shame may lead you to give up and derail your weight loss permanently. Cut yourself a break. Everyone has a bad day, but it doesn’t have to lead to a bad life. Forgive yourself and hop right back on track at your very next meal.

The post 10 Ways to Prepare for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season appeared first on The Leaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which natural product can help you lose weight the most?

You can lose weight by eating less and exercising more often. But, exercising alone will not help you reach your goal. This is because food is vital for our bodies to function properly. This means that if we eat too much, we are more likely to gain weight. On the other hand, if we don’t eat enough food, we’re also at risk of losing weight.

When selecting the best foods to help you lose weight, it is essential that you select foods with high nutritional value and low calories. These foods include fruits, vegetables whole grains, lean and fish meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Is African Mango Oil Safe to Use during Pregnancy?

Yes, African mango extract is safe to use during pregnancy. It has been safely used by pregnant women before.

If you are pregnant, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before taking this product.

Is there a natural alternative to prescription drugs that suppress appetite such as phentermine or oxycodone?

The best choice for people looking to lose weight is green tea extract. Green tea has epigallocatechin glyate (EGCG), which stimulates metabolism. This helps you burn fat by stimulating thermogenesis.

Antioxidants in green tea help prevent damage from oxidation and stress.

Green tea is not a way to lose weight. Green tea is a way to make your body burn more calories.

So yes, green tea does help with weight loss, but it won’t make you lose weight unless you follow a calorie-controlled diet.

Another option is to supplement with L-Carnitine. This amino acid increases energy levels and promotes muscle growth. The downside is that it doesn’t curb your appetite, so you still need to eat regular meals.

What drink can be used to overnight lose belly fat?

Drinking lots of water is the best way to lose weight quickly. Water helps you burn calories, keeps you fuller longer, and makes it less likely to snack on high-carb foods. Water helps to flush out toxins from the body and keep your skin healthy.

For most people, skipping meals is the best thing to do when dieting. You’ll feel less hungry later on because your metabolism slows. You should eat small meals often, instead.

You might find yourself craving snacks. Drink more water. Dehydration reduces your body’s ability to burn calories, and can also cause you to crave sugary drinks. To enhance the detoxifying properties of your water, add a squeeze of lemon to it.

Water can aid in weight loss. It makes you feel fuller quicker and more satisfied. Research has shown that people who drink eight glasses per day are less likely to gain weight than those who only consume four cups. Water is good for you, as it doesn’t add calories to your body.

After you wake up, wait around 30 minutes before eating anything. After about 10-15 minutes, hormones such insulin begin working to regulate blood sugar. These hormone surges often send us into hunger mode. We can avoid crashing and a surge in blood sugar by waiting until it happens.

Take a snack with you to lunch. Eating something between lunch and dinner can help prevent overeating later in the day. Enjoy a piece or two of fruit with peanut butter, or whole grains toast with peanut sauce.

Don’t eat right before bed. Studies have shown that the body processes nutrients more efficiently when it is asleep, so it is easier to stay slim if you go to bed early.

Do not go to bed hungry! A light meal should be eaten at least an hour before you go to bed. You might be amazed at how many calories you’ll need to get to sleep.

Include green tea in your daily life. Green tea is rich in catechins which are plant compounds, which reduce inflammation and speed up metabolism. A Journal of Nutrition study found that green tea drinkers who consumed three cups daily of the beverage had a greater weight loss than those who didn’t. A second study revealed that green tea intake increased men’s metabolic rates by three percent over twelve weeks.

How can I stop my appetite?

Eating small meals frequently throughout the day is a better way to stop snacking when you are hungry than eating three large meals at dinner. This will stabilize your blood sugar and reduce hunger pangs.

Drinking plenty of water and taking herbal supplements, such as bittermelon or Ginseng, may work better than eating purely food.

Avoid carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, or pasta. They give you a quick boost and then a huge crash.

Instead, opt for protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes. These foods will give you sustained energy and keep your blood sugar stable.

Finally, avoid sugary snacks and drinks such as chocolate bars, doughnuts, cakes, candies, soft drinks, and juice. These can trigger cravings and leave you feeling bloated and sluggish.

You should instead choose healthier options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, whole grain cereals, or whole grains.

If you are trying to lose weight, don’t depend on miracle cures or fad diets.

Do natural appetite suppressants really work?

Reduce your food intake is the best way of naturally losing weight. This means reducing calories and avoiding foods high in fat or sugar.

Exercise regularly is the best way lose weight quickly. You will burn calories from the many delicious meals you eat each day.

One of our natural appetite suppressants products might be a good option if you still haven’t lost weight despite following the tips.

They contain powerful ingredients such as bitter melon, green tea, ginger, ginseng, and more. Clinical studies have shown that they can reduce hunger pangs, and other cravings.

Do smoothie cleanses work?

The main question is whether your body is getting rid of toxic substances. If you’re not getting rid of toxins, there might be another problem.

To make a cleanse work, it must eliminate all toxins from your body.

If you don’t see this, it’s likely that you’re not drinking enough water or aren’t eating well.

This could also be a sign that you need to decrease your intake of salt or caffeine.

You could also be experiencing other reasons why you are not seeing results.

• Your digestive system isn’t functioning correctly. This means your body is not absorbing the food you are eating.
• You don’t eat enough protein. Protein helps build muscle tissue.
• You are eating too many carbs. Carbohydrates can be stored as energy.
• You’re consuming too many sugars. Sugar can cause insulin spikes in the bloodstream. This slows down metabolism.
• Your diet is not adequate in fats. Fats are needed to absorb certain vitamins.
• You are consuming too few essential fatty acids (EFAs). The benefits of EFAs have been shown to decrease inflammation.
• You are consuming too little fiber. Fiber absorbs excess cholesterol. Fiber also speeds up digestion.
• Not enough vitamin C is being consumed. This is essential for collagen production. Collagen is essential for keeping skin elastic and firm.
• You are consuming too small portions. You should measure your portions using a standard cup measuring device.
• You are consuming too large quantities of alcohol. You can get very dry from alcohol.
• High amounts of caffeine can cause you to be addicted. Too much caffeine can damage the liver.
• Too little magnesium is being consumed. Magnesium can be essential for healthy bones, muscles, and teeth.
• Your potassium intake is too low. Potassium is needed to maintain fluid balance in your body.

Statistics

• In a total of 54 randomized controlled trials in healthy adults with overweight or obesity, the authors found no difference in weight or body fat percentage between the Garcinia Cambogia group and the placebo group (3Trusted Source (healthline.com)
• According to a 2014 review, even prescription weight loss pills don’t work as well as you might assume. (healthline.com)
• Vitamin C:62% of the Daily Value (DV) (healthline.com)
• On average, they may help you lose 3–9% of your body weight compared with a placebo (56Trusted Source (healthline.com)
• A 2003 meta-analysis of studies found that people taking orlistat for 12 months in combination with lifestyle changes saw a 2.9% greater weight reduction than the placebo group (26Trusted Source (healthline.com)

External Links

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• IGOB131 is a novel seed extract from the West African plant Irvingia gaonensis that significantly lowers body weight and improves metabolic conditions in overweight individuals in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial – PMC
  
• A case report of renal failure that was linked to African mango consumption.
  

webmd.com

• African Mango: What to Know About Irvingia Gabonesis
  
• Goji Berries Side Effects, Health Benefits
  

ods.od.nih.gov

• Ephedra, Office of Dietary Supports
  
• Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss – Health Professional Fact Sheet
  

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• PubMed’s national survey on weight loss and use of dietary supplementation in the United States.
  
• African mango (IGOB131), a proprietary extract of Irvingia gabonensis that is effective in reducing bodyweight and improving metabolic parameters in overweight patients – PubMed
  

How To

3 Popular Weight Loss Pills and Supplements Reviewed

Many people are turning to weight loss pills and other supplements for their weight loss goals. There are many options available so it can be difficult to choose the right product. This article examines the most effective weight-loss pills and supplements currently on the market.

Healthy eating habits and regular exercise are the best ways to lose weight. But sometimes, these methods alone aren’t enough. There will be times when you feel like not exercising, or healthy food isn’t always readily available. That’s why weight loss pills and supplements are so popular. They are quick and easy to lose weight.

There are many weight loss supplements and pills out there. Here are our top picks. We’ve reviewed each one, checked out customer reviews, and then compared their effectiveness with others. The three best products are listed below because they have been recommended by customers. You should check out our full review of these three products to learn more.

1. PhenQ – PhenQ is an excellent choice to increase energy levels and boost metabolism. This product contains L-Carnitine Fumarate. Green Coffee Extract. Caffeine Anhydrous. Chromium Picolinate. Chromium Picolinate. Chromium Picolinate. This product helps to burn fat quicker than traditional diets, and is great for anyone trying to slim down fast.
2. Hoodia Gordonii Plus- Hoodia Gordonii Plus can be used as a weight loss supplement. It has powerful nutrients including Garcinia Sylvestre Fruit Extracts, Gymnema Sylvestre Flower Extracts, Bitter Melon Oil, Chromium Picolinates as well as Raspberry Ketone fat burners. This supplement will increase your metabolism, decrease hunger pangs and boost energy levels. It also improves your mood.
3. Hydroxycut – Hydroxycut has been helping people lose weight ever since 2004. It contains 100% natural ingredients such as green tea extract, chromium piolinate, caffeine and yohimbine HCl. While it is not as effective as the other products in this list, it does have a low number of side effects.

Other benefits:

• Energy Boosting -Most diet pills give users a temporary energy boost. This can lead to increased desire for sweets, junk food, and other unhealthy foods. Hydroxycut won’t cause you to feel any crash or jitters.
• Blood Sugar Balance. Diet pills can lead to problems with blood glucose balance. Hydroxycut can help control blood sugar.
• Increased Metabolism-Diet pills can help you increase your metabolism. Your resting metabolic rate (RMR), will be boosted by most diet pills, approximately 5%-10%. Hydroxycut can increase your RMR by up to 15%-10%, and boost metabolism by as much as 25%-25%
• Better Sleep – You probably know how important it is to get enough sleep in order to lose weight. Sleeping easier can be made possible by diet pills that reduce stress and anxiety.

The best part? These benefits come with no adverse side effects.