10 Steps to Habit Change
Saturday is rapidly approaching, and so are endless amount of questions – Where are you going? What are you doing? What time are going to the bar? Before you start downing green beer, green bagels, green eggs and ham or anything else green and unnatural, here are a few things to keep in mind so that St. Paddy’s Day can be enjoyable without being a diet destroyer:
- Drink Water – I know you’re saying, “how is ‘drink water’ in almost every blog post? Can’t they come up with some new ideas?” This advice isn’t due to lack of originality, it’s repeated suggestion shows just how important it is. Staying hydrated by mixing H20 amongst your other choice beverages will not only make you feel fuller so you won’t be as tempted to eat that third helping of corned beef and cabbage, but it will also help you to drink less alcohol and feel much better Sunday morning (just in time for the parade).
- Limit your sodium and fat intake – there are a lot of traditions that go along with St. Patrick’s Day and most of them shouldn’t be described on AHB’s blog, but one we can discuss is the types of food usually eaten in association with this day. Like most other types of foods (Italian, Chinese , etc.), Irish food is similar in the fact that the American adaptations have become greatly altered compared to the real deal. People in Italy and China don’t have chicken parm and General Tso’s on a daily basis (or ever for that matter), so don’t get tricked into thinking that an “Irish breakfast” and a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake are the best way to show your pride. Stereotypical Irish foods are very high in salt and fat. Instead, have some toasted brown bread with a cup of tea, whip up some delicious scones (http://cookieandkate.com/2011/healthy-lemon-blueberry-scones/), or have a healthier version of fish and chips by baking it (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/baked-fish-and-chips-recipe/index.html).
- Consume alcohol in moderation – everyone knows that large quantities of alcohol are not good for you, but for some reason, once it starts flowing, it can be hard to stop. Since St. Paddy’s Day is on a Saturday this year, people are more likely to start earlier and continue much later. This article from Women’s Health has some reasons why you should sip wisely – http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/drinking-and-exercise.
- Have a great time!! Laughing is good for you, so meet up with some friends, wear tons of green and enjoy yourself. Remember that you can still have a great time without over indulging in foods and drinks that are going to have you hitting the gym until April just to erase their lingering effects.
This warmer weather is fantastic and should be a big reminder that summer is right around the corner. If you have your mind set on a goal of what you want to look and feel like, don’t lose sight of it. Holidays and celebrations come and go. They are not worth having set backs on your journey to becoming the happier, healthier you!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!!
-Be Healthy. Be Balanced.
A Healthy Balance
14B Alleyne St
Quincy, MA
www.AHealthyBalanceInc.com
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