It is possible to stay on track during the holiday season while still enjoying yourself.  The holiday season is already in full swing, but it lasts approximately 6 weeks from Thanksgiving through the new year.  Sometimes we tend to carry those bad habits we've picked up along the way and carry them over into the entire winter season.  How can you stay on track this holiday/winter season?  Here are a few tips:

1.Eat healthy more often than you don't.  Follow the 80/20 rule.  Make a point of eating healthy 80% of the time, that way when you do go to a holiday get together, you can enjoy yourself guilt free.  Control what you can. Make some healthy dishes along with the desserts. Don't be that person who is pulling carrot sticks out of your purse at a party. LOL

2. Add exercise in to your schedule.  Don't use the cold weather as an excuse to be a couch potato.  Bundle up and go for a walk or do a little exercise routine right in your own home.  It doesn't have to be complicated. Just make a plan.

3. Maintain healthy sleep habits the best you can.  It's so important to get good sleep.  That is when your body restores iteself.  Try to go to bed and get up at the same time most days to set your circadian rhythm.  

4.Take some mental time outs.  It's ok to feel emotional during the holidays.  It can be a stressful time for so many reasons.  Remeber to care for yourself emotionally too.  Journal, meditate/pray, prioritize tasks, go for a walk (hey that is a win/win - exercise and decompress at the same time!!). See how I snuck that in there. :)

5. Enjoy! Most importantly enjoy the season and your loved ones.  Time is precious, people are precious - even when they are a pain in the rear.  Don't sweat the small stuff because in the bigger picture, none of that matters.  Open your heart to your loved ones and love big. (Don't be afraid to set boundaries where needed as well if that is necessary).  

Remember to care for yourself in all ways during the holiday season by creating some balance.  I pray your hearts and homes will be filled with peace in the weeks ahead!  Happy Holiday Season! 

What are your plans as we start to head into the darker colder days ahead (time change is only 1 week away!)?  Let's enjoy these beautiful fall days, but we do need to start planning and preparing for winter.  How will you continue to stay active or if you aren't already, how can you begin in the winter? Remember to set goals that are realistic, attainable, and leave you feeling motivated, not defeated.  Not sure where to begin?  Reach out to me. Looking for online or in person options for the winter?  Let me know and I'll see if we can make it happen. A 30 day fitness challenge will be going out soon, so stay tuned!

I"m super excited about my new office space!  If you don't mind being greeted by some lovable, friendly, furry friends, then book an appointment with me, and come check out my new in home office. $10 off for anyone who books in September or October!   Text 914-443-8902, email jbsouthard12@gmail.com 

  Is it your time to shine?  I've had so many people say to me lately, "I've tried everything and nothing I do or try works.  It's time to get some help and do things the right way." This is so encouraging because it shows a commitment and a desire to want to live better. Living a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean going without, an endless diet, or whatever other negative conotation it may have for some people.  It means freedom!  Freedom from feeling sick and tired, cranky and lethargic!  It's not about what you lose, but about what you gain.  My 6 Weeks to a Healthy Self program is all about helping you create those positive lifelong habits.  It is a balanced approach to help you focus on better nutrition, more positive thought processes, and help you develop a plan for getting active. You can still enjoy the things you love, while creating healthier overall habits to live life to the fullest. Reach out to me to get started! jbsouthard12@gmail.com 914-443-8902

Wow! Read that again. I'm not sure if I feel offended or validated, but sometimes it's true! It's ok to feel.  We need to feel, but how do we handle those feelings?  Are we less than kind or patient to those around us? (Remember they have issues/feelings they are dealing with too) Do we become overwhelmed and withdraw from others?  Do we use food as a means to cope? What's my go to comfort food?  Chocolate or cookies, but the cookies need to be chocolate, so I guess it's just chocolate. LOL It's sugar, caffeine, and yumminess all wrapped up in one. Guess what?  A little bit of chocolate is ok and enjoyed immensely! It's when I use it to deal or not deal with emotions that I need to take a closer look.  Am I upset, bored, angry? If so, then I need to process those emotions, not stuff them. We can't experience true joy if we have never felt pain or saddness.  Take deep breaths and just feel. process, and let go if that is what is needed.  Emotional eating and having a good relationship with food is just one of the many topics we cover in my Lifestyle Nourishment Workshop.  New groups begin periodically or you can do it as a one on one. Reach out to me with any questions. jbsouthard12@gmail.com 914-443-8902