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Heading into the holiday season is a great time to step up your healthy lifestyle routine.  From Thanksgiving through the New Year, it is all too easy to gain 5-7 pounds and forgo your workouts.  By being diligent now, we will feel confident come 2020 and still be able to enjoy holiday meals with family without having unnecessary guilt.  

1.  Aim to up your intake of low-glycemic foods and decrease your intake of simple carbohydrates. 

 The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrates on a scale of 1-100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels.  High GI foods are simple carbs like white flour, sugar, etc.  They spike blood sugar levels and can stimulate excessive insulin.  This is bad for many reasons.  It can increase inflammation, create hunger and moodiness, and increase fat around the middle.  

My method to help with this is to simply cook more veggies and one-pot dishes like soup, on a Sunday, and keep in my fridge as a go-to.  This is not the time to keep going back to the Halloween candy.  I've had a few of my daughter's but I am putting the kibosh on that asap! It's not all or nothing, folks, but what you do on a regular basis.  

2.  Don't skip workouts! 

I am going to work out in my living room today because I need to catch up on paperwork.  I'll set a timer and exercise for just under an hour.  Anything is better than nothing and consistency is key.  Going to a gym is terrific and I love it, but we can be time squashed during the holidays and it can be stressful to schedule it in.  Maybe make a plan with a friend to walk two nights per week after work and walk at a pace that you can have a conversation but still feel a bit winded.  It will be a great stress reducer, help burn some calories and set you up for a nice sleep.

3.  Find ways to lower stress.

Here are three suggestions that work wonders.  First, have more sex!  Sex stimulates the autonomic nervous system, reduces stress, and strengthens the pelvic floor.  Make an appointment if you feel you are too busy.  The anticipation may just get you in the mood.  

Second, take a nice relaxing bath with candles and some soft music.  Maybe use Epsom salts or a bath bomb that is not irritating.  This is a great way to lead into my next stress reducer.

 Finally, get more rest by shutting off electronics and going to bed earlier.  It's hard to do but so worth it.