Deidra Mangus

So of course, Easter is this weekend and I use to be one of those holiday bingers that completely blew everything I worked so hard for the week prior.  I want you to think about this weekend as a holiday where we give thanks for everything we have!! We are all so blessed in one way or another!!! Think about the hard work and dedication we have put into being healthy by exercise and clean eating.  It is by far not easy to do!!! We go through struggle, emotions, moments where we want to give up because the results are not coming fast enough, but if we stick to it, especially through this weekend, we will be that much closer to our goal!!!  
We need to keep our goals in mind over the holidays! 
How important is our goals to us?
Think about if we stick to our plan, how much happier and further off we will be.. NO REGRETS!!! 
Now think if we binged and ate anything and everything.. Its only a TEMPORARY FIX!!! Then we are mad at ourselves and regret it because we just ruined everything we just worked so hard for!! 
It’s your body and your decision, but I do encourage you to think before you take that bite!! Nutrition  is 80%!!! Exercise is 20%!! If we get those workouts in early before our plans, we good to go!! Finish the day by sticking to healthy snacks and meals!! remember… NO REGRETS!!! We got this!!!
Here are some tips that you can use to help you get through the weekend!! ENJOY!!! 

• ·       
  Take time for yourself. Although spending
  time with friends and family is essential, it’s also important to have at least
  five minutes to yourself to relax. Try practicing deep breathing exercise when
  you feel stressed out.

• ·       
  Don’t set unrealistic exercise goals. Aim to
  exercise 20 minutes a day instead of an hour. You’ll be sure to get at least 20
  minutes of exercise per day without feeling disappointed if you do not complete
  an hour.

• ·       
  Enlist a friend or family member to exercise
  with you. Walking and talking with a friend can be a great way to burn extra
  calories and reduce your stress level.

• ·       
  Create new, more active traditions. Instead
  of throwing a dessert or cocktail party, try snowshoeing or ice-skating as an
  alternate holiday event. Play powder puff football or build a snowman.

• ·       
  Don’t try to lose weight or stick to a
  restrictive diet this holiday season. If you enjoy your favorite foods in small
  portions, you’ll feel more satisfied. Trying to stay away from certain foods
  may leave you feeling deprived, which may cause you to eat more than you
  intended to.

• ·       
  Drink plenty of water. Although the cold
  weather may make you less inclined to grab a glass of water, it is just as
  important in the winter as it is during the summer. Water helps counter the
  dehydrating effects of travel or drinking alcoholic beverages, and it may also
  help satiate your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

• ·       
  Spread out meals. Don’t feel like you have to
  eat everything at once. Try eating dinner early and then taking a walk before
  sitting down for dessert.

• ·       
  Don’t overdo it with alcohol or caffeine.
  These stimulants will only cause you more grief in the end by adding to your
  feelings of stress. Try drinking hot herbal tea instead of coffee, and keep the
  number of alcoholic drinks to a minimum.

• ·       
  Don’t aim for perfection, and enjoy the
  imperfections. There is no such thing as the perfect party or the perfect
  decorations or the perfect way to spend the holidays. Don’t set yourself up for
  disappointment by placing unrealistic demands on yourself.

• ·       
  Laugh. Laughing is a great tension reliever.
  It burns calories, reduces stress and usually means that you’re enjoying
  yourself.