Balance & Moderation throughout the Holiday's

🎄 Tips on maintaining Balance & Moderation this Holiday 🎄

How often do you hear... "Just have one... It's the Holidays"...

Follow these tips to stay on track this holiday season.

1. Remember that saying "NO" is hard. For everyone… 
You are not the only one dealing with the anxiety of situational pressure. Just because the "norm" is to have another drink or piece of pie does not mean you have to participate. Simply say "NO"!! I promise, no one is going to ask you questions or force you to do anything! *Be your real self. 

2. Role-play scenarios you know are coming… 
Plan ahead for situations you know will arise. Someone is going to ask...Why are you on a diet? Why can you not have a drink? Why can't you stay later? Have an answer prepared. A simple no thank you usually does the trick. But, if someone is pushy all you have to say is... I know how it will make me feel, or I am trying to stay on track during the holidays. You can not get a rebuttal to that! *Always speak the truth, and you will come out on top. 
Funny Example: When you are pregnant and have not told anyone yet...Before you go to dinner or a party, you have a plan. You know what you are going to say or know you are going to walk around with a club soda and lime all night! And not get questioned :)

3. Encourage friends to give back and remember what they are grateful for... 
If your fear is looking ungrateful, constantly remind yourself how grateful YOU are. Holiday's can easily turn into hospitality with LOTS of calories and uncomfortable situations. People want you to feel welcome and comfortable, which usually means food, drinks and late nights. On the flip side of that relationship, you don’t want to appear ungrateful and feel obliged to accept. So, let them know what you are grateful for and obligated to (kids, family, plans the following day). If you are doing service work over the holidays, invite them to join. *Gratitude will only spread love. 

4. Respond with values, not outcomes… Responding to uncomfortable situations with your true values will keep you grounded and bring a little light into their lives. 
If the idea of saying, “I might not stop at just one” is scary...
Try using one of these: “I’m trying to do this for myself", “I’m trying to practice a little willpower.”, “I’m trying to stick to my plan.” 
Responding with the values you are trying to embody rather than the outcomes is a great way to show your true character. *Remind yourself what this journey is really about.

*Be your real self* Always speak the truth and you will come out on top* Gratitude will only spread love* Remind yourself what this journey is really about*

Happy Holidays!!! XOXO Haley 💚

7 Tips on how to beat Holiday Stress

7 Tips on how to beat Holiday Stress…

The Holiday’s can be stressful, but you can make them fun at the same time! Starting in October with Halloween, straight to Thanksgiving, and all the way through the end of December with Christmas, then New Years… Thats over 3 months filled with activities, parties and obligations! 

When you add all of this to your goal of staying healthy and fit while still talking care of your family it takes a tole on you! 

Here are 7 ways that will help you still enjoy the holidays, not forget about yourself, and not feel frustrated or defeated. 

1. Practice the power of “NO”… We all feel the need to attend every event/party/gathering that we are invited to. But sometimes it almost makes you crazy trying to hit all of these gatherings. Pick the ones that are closest to your heart. For the ones you can not attend, simply say NO. You can not make it, thank you for the invitation, maybe next year. No need to lie or make an excuse. Just do what your heart tells you! Wouldn’t you rather be in good spirits when seeing the ones you love instead of it feeling like a burden?

2. Take a day OFF… Instead of trying to cram all of your errands, gift buying, and holiday shopping on the weekends take a week day off of work you have been saving! There will be less traffic, you will feel relaxed and actually get into the Christmas Spirit!

3. Simplify your gift giving… If you have a large family suggest drawing names and buying one special gift instead of trying to pick up random presents that are just a “filler”. Buy something for someone they will actually enjoy using throughout the year.

4. Focus on the Community… Christmas is more than receiving gifts! I get so much joy out of giving gifts, actually I would rather give than receive! Suggest to your family instead of buying gifts for each other sponsor a family and buy gifts for those in need. This will eliminate the stress of making sure each person has the perfect gift and also contribute to a family who needs more than we all do. 

5. Take time for yourself… Skipping your workout is not going to help you accomplish any more during the day. It will actually be in the back of your mind all day that you have not worked out! So get up, get moving, make a list and knock it out! Take care of YOU first, then the rest of the day will fall in place. You will have more energy, focus, and a much better attitude :) 

6. Boost your immune system…. This time of year is a prime time for running your self into the ground and ending up in bed. Make sure to drink lots of water, incorporate good, whole foods in your diet, and get plenty of sleep. You can not neglect yourself- Otherwise it will throw you for a loop! 

7. Make a list and have a plan… You will run circles around town tracking down gifts, etc. Make a list of where you are going and what you want to accomplish and your “errands” will be a lot more enjoyable.

Christmas is not about gift giving or how much you can do. I think we all need to stop and think about the real reason for the season :) -XOXO Haley

-See my blog: www.haleyyoung.com for other holiday tips, recipes and workouts

7 Ways to have a Healthy Merry Christmas!

MODERATION IS KEY!!!

The holidays can be a tough time to stick to your "moderate diet" here are some tips to help you through the holiday parties and cocktail hours! 

1. Mindful Snacking- This is one of the main causes of weight gain. Be mindful of what you put in your mouth! If you are at a party you usually "pick" not knowing what you have eaten! So make a plate, eat that and be done! 

2. Alcohol- Alcohol consumption clearly increases over the holidays. Choose wisely. Have a beverage, then a glass of water or soda water. My favorite drink is Vodka and Water or Soda with a lemon or lime... So you are hydrating at the same time! You will thank me the next am :)

3. Moderation- Yes, we all want to enjoy those deserts and unhealthy appetizers. Don't deprive yourself. Have a little and then be DONE! Enjoy a small amount or your will end up eating twice as much later that day! 

4. Stay Active- Get UP and Get MOVING! During the holidays we all get caught up with shopping, family, running around. Make it a point to get out and walk or run first thing in the morning so you do not get distracted during the day and push your exercise off. 

5. Make the Plans- Have friends that want to go to dinner?! Tell them you will make the plans! Make reservations at a restaurant you can make healthy choices, or where every you go you can always customize your own order! (I am queen of that :))

6. Carry a healthy dish- Invited to a holiday party? Tell the host you will bring a dish! Check out recipes on my blog that you can carry, enjoy and not be tempted by the unhealthy dishes. 

7. Prepare- Preparation is KEY! Before going to a party, go ahead and eat dinner! That way you will not be starving, you can make a small plate, and be satisfied! 

Wishing you all a Healthy Merry Christmas! -XOXO Haley

New Years Workout- No Equipment

Traveling for New Years?! 🎉🎉🎉

Here is a quick workout you can do that will leave you feeling great!!