Christmas is only a few weeks away, and that means travelling, dining out or gathering for dinner with friends and family. It can be hard to follow the Live Disease Free eating plan, and keep your diet and lifestyle on track over the holidays, but with some simple tips and strategies, you can start the New Year feeling energized and healthy!
Plan Ahead and Simplify
Two of the most important things to remember at this time of year are to plan ahead and simplify. Make a list of what is most important to accomplish and then prioritize – some things must happen and others are great if time permits. In your calendar, schedule specific days for shopping, cooking, visiting friends and other activities.
Be realistic – how much time do you have to prepare everything on your list? Focus on meaningful experiences and interactions over perfection. What are the most important traditions? Be flexible – customs can change! Focus on relationships over traditions.
Make a budget – decide how much money you want to/ are able to spend on food and gifts and stick to it. Some gift alternatives could include donating to a charity in someone’s name, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange by picking names, rather than buying for everyone.
Channel Your Inner Wellness Champion
For more tips, here is a great article on why it’s so important to manage stress over the holidays.
This is a busy time – pace yourself. If you feel stressed make sure to stop and regroup. Re-evaluate your plan and SIMPLIFY! Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your kids, family or friends.
Learn to say no – people will understand if you can’t participate in every activity over the holidays.
If you’re feeling lonely or isolated reach out communities, social events or faith-based groups for support and friendship. At Live Disease Free, we recognize the importance of reaching out to your support group, especially during the holidays. Volunteering your time to help others is also a really great option.
It is so important to listen to your body. If you’re experiencing GI issues, you’re really tired, or feeling stressed or overwhelmed take a step back and recognize you’re trying to do too much.
Don’t abandon your healthy habits, it’s just not worth it.
I created this video, How to Stay Track Over the Holiday Season, to help you succeed through this time of year, with specific tips on sticking to the eating plan while travelling and dining out, and how to stay healthy this month.
Contact Pam Bartha at Live Disease Free for more tips and to become a wellness champion. With Live Disease Free, you will learn the tools necessary to regain your health and live your best life.
Clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28, Pam chose an alternative approach to recovery. Now decades later and still symptom free, she coaches others on how to treat the root cause of chronic disease, using a holistic approach. She can teach you how, too.
Pam is the author of Become a Wellness Champion and founder of Live Disease Free. She is a wellness expert, coach and speaker.
The Live Disease Free Academy has helped hundreds of Wellness Champions in over 15 countries take charge of their health and experience profound improvements in their life.
