Dear Amazing Women on a Health Journey,
As the holiday season arrives, the air becomes crisper, and the festive spirit fills our hearts with warmth. For those of us navigating the path of a health journey, this time of year can be both thrilling and, perhaps, a little daunting. The allure of decadent feasts and sweet treats might tempt us to question our commitment to a healthier lifestyle. However, let us embark on this seasonal adventure with a gentle reminder: it's OK to indulge.
Vitauthority VitaPro Amanda Dewey (@amandaldewey), a fitness professional over 40, mom of 4, wife, and long-time member of the Vita-Fam, shares a fresh point of view on embracing the joy of the season.
"Your right to eat certain foods isn't "earned" through exercise. You are allowed to eat foods you love. Period.
You do not need "extra" workouts because you indulged in a holiday meal. You do not need to "work" anything off. You can just continue to exercise as normal without punishing yourself for celebrating the holidays, family, joy, and connection.
What you do between Thanksgiving & Christmas is roughly 30 - 40 days of the year. What you do between Christmas and Thanksgiving accounts for 330-ish days of the year. Consistency over time matters most.
Sleep, hydration, walking/exercise/movement, including fruits & veggies, and sharing meaningful connections, consistently over time, is the key to living a happy and healthy life.
A healthy lifestyle includes joy. Joy for most people does not come from being on a never-ending diet... or cutting out certain foods entirely. You can and should enjoy the holiday season as part of your lifelong health journey."
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Guilt should never overshadow the joy of connecting with family, creating cherished memories, and embracing the essence of the season.
So, dear friend, as you navigate the upcoming festivities, give yourself the gift of self-love and allow yourself the space to partake in the pleasures of the holidays. Remember, your health journey is not just about the destination but also about the beautiful moments along the way. It's about striking that balance between celebrating the season's delights and honoring the commitment you've made to your well-being.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the perfect blend of self-care and celebration.
With compassion and cheer,
The Vitauthority Team
PS: For more amazing self-love and healthy lifestyle tips from Amanda Dewey, follow her on Instagram: @amandaldewey