Halloween was a few short days ago and I’m already getting a little anxious about the weeks ahead.
I don’t know about you, but I have a little problem with sugar, especially around this time of year.
This is the time of year I’m more prone to a little more jelly to my belly and my chin wants a twin.
Beginning now through the end of the Christmas season, our nation packs on the extra pounds due to the increased intake of sweets and snacks from our children’s Halloween buckets, church potlucks, cookie exchanges and holiday parties.
Soon after, we inevitably get flooded with countless weight loss ads and gym membership commercials.
These are only painful reminders of the guilt we feel from our glutton-filled holiday eating.
It’s a vicious cycle that happens each year.
Why not stop this behavior in its tracks and work towards a more healthful holiday season? Why not start the New Year on a high note rather than a time of shame and regret?
Does this mean we decline every party invitation and isolate ourselves ? Absolutely not!
Here are some proactive steps I’m going to take this holiday season:
- Today I’m drinking fresh water like its my job.
- Today I’m going to put more fresh foods (lean proteins, raw nuts, fresh veggies) rather than processed foods (anything in a box, processed with excess sugar and salt) into my body.
- Today I will exercise to combat stress, depression and anxiety and increase strength and function in my everyday activities.
- Today I will respect my body with the food choices I make, regardless of how others may feel about it. I know deep down that I’m not missing out by declining sugary offerings. In the long run, my mind and body will thank me.
- Today I will research and experiment in making healthy alternatives that I can bring to holiday events that I can share and enjoy with others.
And lastly, a reminder from scripture that strengthens me in why I ultimately do these things:
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT)
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