December is probably one of my favorite times of the year in Mumbai: friends and family from all over the world tend to gravitate here. Everyone seems to be ready to have a good time and in general the city is even livelier than normal…which says a lot!
I can already forecast less sleep than normal, plenty of eating out, and that my liver is going to be pushed to new limits. While I plan to enjoy every minute of it, I don’t want to throw complete caution to the wind. To avoid having to kick myself in January, I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of my do’s and don’ts which I am going to try & follow:
- Do fit in some exercise: Chances are I won’t be exercising as long or intensely as normal but I’m aiming to get in some activity at least 4 days a week. Worst case scenario, I know that dancing will have me covered on the cardio front ;)!
- Don’t ‘save’ my calories: Been there done that and it only fosters a binge mentality. It’s a surefire way to unnecessarily stuff my face by the end of the night…thanks but no thanks!
- Do ask for alterations: I’m all for enjoying meals out but if I’m eating out every day, I will try to keep some of the meals on the lighter side. I’m yet to visit a restaurant that refuses to put my dressing on the side, replace fries with grilled vegetables, or hold the butter.
Don’t forget about H2O: Drinking enough water is one of the easiest, and cheapest, ways to stay healthy. Want to ward off a hangover? Boost your immunity? Prevent bags from forming under your eyes? Get sippin’!
- Do be a bread snob: Oprah says “Take the bread basket away”…I say eat the bread if it serves one (or both) of these purposes: it satiates your hunger or because it tastes extraordinary. Don’t eat the bread merely because it’s just ‘there’!
- Do take a vitamin B shot: I’ve blogged about these before as they do wonders for my energy levels. I don’t get enough vitamin B through my diet and so rather than rely on my memory to take supplements, a monthly vitamin B shot is a reliable way that it directly enters my bloodstream.
- Don’t beat myself over it: I am honestly okay with gaining a few pounds if it means enjoying myself and creating memories rather than having to worry about every morsel/sip going into my mouth. The key is to just make sure this mindset doesn’t continue on into January!
How do you plan to avoid ‘losing it’ completely over December?
I know my December is going to come with a lot of rich and delicious foods…so my way of “not losing it” is to stay on my regular exercise schedule. It helps me avoid feeling like ton of bricks after several days of eating unhealthy food!
Definitely…even a walk helps get rid of that ick bloated feeling!
I really like this post, it is very reasonable especially for such a difficult time of the year! (in terms of trying to lose weight and stay in control). It is so important to enjoy yourself too though, and I am glad you included that as a “to do” 🙂
Thanks 🙂 I hate the mentality that everything has to go to pot just because it’s the holidays!
That’s so true about saving calories! I tried it before in the past and it never worked. 😛
My plan for the holidays is to stick to a fairly regular exercise routine, help cook dinners at home (because if I let my dad cook, he adds a cup of butter to everything!), allow myself to enjoy treats but to eat them mindfully, and most of all just don’t stress out!
Hahah controlling the butter/oil is one of my main reasons that I started cooking! Hope your holidays go according to plan 🙂
I thought the “Do ask for alterations” was going to be about keeping your seamstress on standby in case u’re clothes don’t fit hehe
I think I like your interpretation better 🙂
I am such a bread snob. If I am given bland, white bread I don’t eat it. It doesn’t even taste good! Give me a big hunk of pumpernickel and I’m allll over it.
Snap on the pumpernickel- so wholesome!
I totally agree with your points and try to find balance but still indulge in “december foods”. Winter time means family and friends time, lots of mulled wine and punch, dinner invitations and traditional homemade christmas cookies. of course you cant always say no, i love to try everything and enjoy this time but then stick to lighter meals in between i.e. when i am cooking for myself.
Definitely- those meals where you are cooking for yourself is probably few so better to make the most of it when you can 😀
I love your dos & don’ts! 🙂 My don’t is to stress 🙂
Easier said than done! 😉
The bread basket suggestion? Brilliant. I only eat the bread now if it’s worth it. And it usually is. 🙂
Pshhh who am I kidding- all kinds of bread is more likely than not worth it!
Hahahaha how classy people get shitfaced…gotta say, Naz and I sometimes just go to town on Moet or Veuve Clicquot…and for some reason drinking that will NEVER give me a hangover 😉
Oh and I so agree about your bread snob one!
So true about Moet & Veuve ..same goes for Grey Goose & Belvedere vodka–> hangover free!
These are all great tips. I’m with you on enjoying this time but not wanting to go overboard. The smallest adjustments can make a big difference in keeping that balance. 🙂
For sure–> it’s the little things that add up!
These are great tips Khushboo. This festive season, I plan to enjoy everything in moderation. That way I can stay happy and (relatively) healthy 🙂 🙂
Sounds like a good plan :)…as long as you’re happy, indulgences are negligible ;)!
Moderation is key and thanks for the reminder! Happy Holidays 🙂
Happy holidays to you and oyur family!
I like your “not saving calories” one. I think that’s a good one to remember. I plan on eating good, wholesome food and working out at least 4-5x a week. That should keep me in line!
Good plan and I’m sure a few treats thrown in won’t hurt! 🙂
I cant find the willpower to exercise during Christmas Holidays if i’m travelling. Except for dancing any other fun keep in shape/ not explode tips?
Stick to your black Cod and Swati Snacks ;)!
I attempt to ‘eat cleaner’ – kind of like what you do by eating more veggies and less greasy food in general. This is my way of balancing out the extra sweets and booze I indulge in at all the holiday events I attend. It may not be the most logical, but it just makes me feel better about it!
Hahah I feel you on that–> whether or not it works, it helps mentally 😀
Great post! Love how your tips are flexible and easy to follow. For December my plan is to exercise at least four times a week, keep eating wholesome foods, and eat in moderation!
Sounds like a plan stan :)!