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I grew up in Miami and every December my husband Steve and I go to Miami to visit my parents for a few days.  My parents are big “foodies.”  They love good food and love treating us to nice meals out when we’re with them.  I also love good food and eating at nice restaurants, but I find that when I eat several meals out in a row that I don’t enjoy it as much.  Each meal out no longer feels special. Sometimes less is more, know what I mean?
Last December I did an experiment.  Rather than going out to eat every night that we were in Miami, I decided I would do some cooking.  I was on vacation and didn’t have much to do, so cooking was fun and relaxing.  I was able to try some new recipes and give my mom a break from cooking dinner every night.  The best part? My family loved all the yummy food I cooked!  It didn’t feel like a sacrifice to stay in for dinner.  It was fun and delicious.

In about a week Steve and I leave for Miami where we’ll be enjoying a 2-week vacation.  I am sure this vacation will include some decadent meals out – especially since we will be celebrating my birthday and our second anniversary. I am looking forward to these special meals, but I am also looking forward to continuing this new tradition of enjoying some special meals at home.  (I think my parents are also looking forward to this!)

I have also set an intention that I will continue to exercise while on vacation.  I don’t have a gym membership in Miami, but that won’t get in my way.  I’ll walk and jog outside, go to my parents gym where I can pay a small fee for each visit and use the weights or take a spinning class, and perhaps check out a local yoga or pilates studio.

Now you might be thinking this sounds like a sacrifice.  Why would I want to cook and exercise on my vacation?  I don’t see it as a sacrifice at all.  Rather, I am making decisions to do things that are going to make me feel great – without feeling deprived. My goal isn’t to achieve some sort of unattainable perfection over the holidays, but to have a balance.  And I know from past experience that this will keep my mood and my energy will balanced so I can having an amazing vacation. 

What small steps can you take to achieve a balance during the holidays?  The things that will make you feel great may be different than the things that make me feel great.  Maybe you will eat more mindfully, make a healthier version of a holiday dish, or try a new outdoor activity. Take a minute to think about it.

What’s your intention for the holidays? I’d love to hear from you.  Email your questions and comments to me at amy@wellnesshealthcoaching.com or contact me to schedule a complimentary one-hour nutrition and health consultation.

Women: are you sick and tired of feeling unhealthy and down on yourself? 

If you are ready to make lasting lifestyle changes for yourself and your family, stop your war with food, and get healthy, Amy Lippmann, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, can help.

Sample Amy’s work by listening to a F*REE AUDIO, “Finally, How to Get Healthy Meals on the Table, In No Time.”  You will also receive a complete transcript, pantry essentials list, her mix-and-match meal planning chart, healthy recipes, and much more. Grab your copy now at http://www.wellnesshealthcoaching.com and start feeling better about your health and fitness.

Amy Lippmann, H.H.C., AADP
Certified Holistic Health Counselor
Coaching for Whole Body Wellness
www.WellnessHealthCoaching.com

© 2008 Amy Lippmann, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article on your website or your own ezine? No problem! But here’s what you MUST include: Amy Lippmann, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, is founder of the Whole Body Wellness System™, the proven step-by-step program achieve your health goals and feel more confident in your body. To receive your freebie audio and sign up for her bi-weekly recipes and articles, visit www.WellnessHealthCoaching.com.

This Personal Development article was written by Amy Lippmann on 4/18/2008

Amy Lippmann is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor with a private health and lifestyle coaching practice. She works with women who are tired of continuously feeling bad about their health and struggle with feeling good in their body, energy level, cravings, and would like to figure out how to be healthy and take good care of themselves.

What makes her services unique is that she not only provides guidance, but also a level of support her clients have never had before. And because of this, Amy’s clients make lasting lifestyle changes, get peace and freedom around food so they can stop beating themselves up, and they enjoy life more.