Be Different this Holiday Season, and Get a Different Result

October 31 marks the official start to National Eating Season, a nine week all you can eat feast which usually ends with regret and resolution on New Year’s Day. The “start my diet tomorrow” mentality is in full swing through the holidays but the truth is that most people never lose the pounds they gain during this time each year.

It’s common for health coaches to suggest ways to have a different holiday season, but the overwhelming social pressure to keep the status quo makes changing holiday habits much easier said than done. In light of ongoing, rising obesity rates it seems that fitting in with the crowd may still be more important than fitting in your jeans.

The good news is that if you decide you want a different result this year there is a growing community of health-minded folks to support you. Here at HMR we will be working extra hard through the holidays bringing you fresh alternatives to old high cal favorites from pumpkin shakes to egg nog. Many programs offer Holiday BLITZ classes where you can set the stage for your successful holiday season. Connect with others through our forum, ask questions and try a new recipe each week.

You can start this holiday season by deciding to do Halloween differently:

1. Create new holiday foods like pumpkin stew and roasted pumpkin seeds.
2. Take a trip to the orchard, pick your own apples and slow cook a batch of homemade applesauce.
3. Have a neighborhood costume party and keep the focus on fun.
4. Take a trip to a haunted house instead of trick or treating.
5. Check out Martha Stewart’s Halloween Decorations for crafty projects the whole family will love.
6. If the kids do end up with a bag of candy, participate in the Halloween Buy Back Program or start a buy back program of your own. Pay the kids for each piece - and help them save up for something they want - or just let them trade in the bag for a trip to the movies or mini golf.

Google “no candy Halloween” and you will find an abundance of delightful treats to hand out at your door. From pencils, to mini play dough, to glo bracelets to spider rings - there is no shortage of affordable alternatives from websites like Oriental Trading Company to dole out to the kids. It doesn’t take much time or effort to find something different and there are, simply, lots of other ways to go.

But if you want to be different, you have to make different choices (which isn’t easy - but it's worth it) for yourself, your health, your family and your neighborhood. Choose to be different this year and get a different result!

by luv2run on 10/24/2012 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: planning, strategies, kids, holidays