staying healthy this season

even though this is my favorite time of year, it can be quite a challenge to stay healthy. between tailgates and watching games on tv, parties and holiday treats everywhere, my self-control is tested constantly. i am a sucker for sweets and some are just too hard to resist. so how do i stay healthy during this wonderful time of year? here are some simple tips that i follow to make sure i don't overdo it!

1. plan ahead: if know that only unhealthy food is going to be offered somewhere, i plan on eating something beforehand or fixing my own food and taking it with me if acceptable. if the party is one that everyone gets to bring something, i try to make sure mine is a healthy option rather than an unhealthy one. it also guarantees that there will be something there that i can eat. 
2. don't skip workouts: this time of year gets busier every day and sometimes you may think skipping a workout is the only way to get everything done. don't do it! make time for yourself to workout, even if it means getting up earlier or putting off something that really can wait. you will feel better and you won't stress about missing a workout.
3. go for the fruit and veggies: fruit and veggie plates are my best friend. fruits and veggies are going to fill you up, not out. just avoid ones that have "loaded," "fried," or any other unhealthy adjectives coming before them. i like to use veggies as dippers instead of chips. its an easy way to save a few extra calories. pair veggies with hummus or cheese and you have a great snack with nutrients and protein. 
4. use a small plate: the smaller the plate, the less you can fill it with. i'm not saying to eat on tea saucers but using an appetizer plate at the buffet is a lot better than loading up a full-size dinner plate just because you still had room. you'll only fill your plate with what you really want instead of getting a little bit of everything. 
5. watch your liquid calories: all those holiday cocktails have sugary calories that come with the buzz. and don't think shots don't either and remember that each can of beer has carbs and calories. i personally would rather eat my calories than drink them so i stick to coffee, skim, almond or low-fat milk, fresca, sweet tea with splenda, club soda with a twist or just plain old water. one drink has the possibility of costing you up to a whole meal's worth of calories but won't provide with the fullness factor of an actual meal. 
6. if you do overdo it, don't fret. once the damage is done, its done and you just have to move on. don't starve yourself or over work yourself at the gym. just realize your mistake, get a good normal workout in, eat a normal meal and move on. whats past is past. 
7. get a good night's sleep: the less you sleep, the more you eat. when you're awake, your body requires energy which it gets from food. so, when you only sleep 4 hours instead of 8, that's an extra 4 hours of energy your body needs. also, late-night snacking isn't always healthy snacking either. a good 7-8 hours of sleep is what everyone should aim for, regardless of the time of year.
8. remember it is the holiday season. you can splurge some! you would drive yourself crazy if you didn't indulge every so often. so, eat the cupcake, drink the punch and be on your merry way! the biggest thing is just to be aware of what is going into your body. by being aware, you will realize what is okay to have and what isn't okay to have. 

the monday back after being home is always a little rough. mine was a bit dysfunctional to say the least. i couldn't remember anything and i think i tripped every time i got up to walk... struggles. i also realized how much i had going on this week between alpha chi, classes and going to Bama this weekend and am a little bit overwhelmed. however, if i put my mind to it and don't let myself stress out and stay healthy, i know i can get through it! nonetheless, i wouldn't trade my break at home for anything. it was absolutely perfect and as i have said before, i have my parents to thank for that. they are truly the best parents a girl could ask for. fall break was a nice break from reality and i am already looking forward to going home next month for my birthday weekend! 

xoxo, 

clp