Dec 25/Jan26 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 66

playlist. Even a 15-minute walk after a meal, aids digestion, balances blood sugar, burns calories, and boosts your metabolism. Plus, the fresh air boosts your mood and energy.

If you’ d rather stay cozy indoors, look for indoor activities like gentle stretching or yoga. Bowling, indoor rock climbing, or dance and fitness classes are other fun ways to move your body. Plus, the whole family can participate.

It doesn’ t matter what you do, the goal is consistency, not perfection.

3. Eat Mindfully and Tune in To Your Hunger Cues

Before eating, pause and check in. Are you physically hungry, or just eating out of boredom, habit, or stress relief? During a meal, before reaching for seconds, take a quick pause. On a scale of 1 to 10, how full are you?

Instead of stuffing yourself, try to stop at around a 6 or 7. You’ ll feel satisfied and content and your body will thank you for listening.

Follow the 80 / 20 Rule

If you eat nourishing, whole foods 80 % of the time and allow yourself to enjoy indulgences the other 20 %, you’ ll get to enjoy some treats without going overboard.

Mindfully sprinkle in a few of your favorites, then, simply return to your healthy habits the next day. When you think of balance over time, rather than trying to be“ perfect” every day, you won’ t feel restricted or like you’ re on a diet and it’ s much easier to stick to your plan.

Make It an Occasion, Not a Season

Yes, winter comes with lots of baking and sweet treats. The trick is not to keep it all in the house.

If you bake, bring your goodies to a party, savor them, and then leave the leftovers behind. If you’ re hosting, send extras home with guests or pop them in the freezer. Make sure it’ s somewhere out of sight and out of reach, like in the basement!

That way, you can enjoy the moment without letting sugar take over your everyday routine.

4. Prioritize Self-Care Get Plenty of Rest & Sleep

Between shopping, decorating, hosting, and celebrating, we tend to push ourselves too hard and end up exhausted. We often skip the gym, eat on the go, and get to bed later than ever. That’ s why so many of us get sick over the holidays or right after. Rest is when