Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

The holidays are a time of gathering with your family and friends. Sadly, many people result in overeating and gaining weight that may build up over time. Here are a few tips to prevent weight gain during the holidays!

1. Plan time to exercise.

Exercising not only burns fat and calories, but it also releases a chemical called endorphin
that will help in reducing stress. You may feel the burn for a moment, but the results will make it worth it.

2. Be picky.

If you don't love it, don't eat it! Go for the special holiday dish and skip the foods that are always available. Also, don't think it's your responsibility to try everything on the menu.

3. Trim the trimmings. 

Cut back on unnecessary condiments such as gravy, dressing, butter, and whipped cream. These sneaky foods don't do much for the food but a lot for the waistline. Get a little less of each serving. Don't try to stuff yourself on one dish, but have smaller servings of each one and then go back for more of what you like most , looking back at #2.

4. Skip the snacking.

If you usually like to snack between each meal, you might want to stop during the holidays. Although this saves more room and calories for the big dinner, try to not stuff yourself but still be satisfied.

5. Check it out.

Survey all your choices and pick what you want the most. Be sure to scrutinize each dish and make wise decisions, or you will be more prone to overeat.

6. Fill up on healthy foods the first round.

Start off your meal with healthy fruits and veggies before diving in to the other dishes. This will fill you up and decrease the unhealthy food intake. 

7. You don't have to finish your plate. 

Yes, you hear your parents tell you to finish all the time, but in this case, don't do it if you don't want/need it! Not eating those last scraps could save you calories that will build up later on.

8. Bring a healthy dish.

If you're assigned to bring something for potluck, bring something healthy. This will encourage you and others to eat a little healthier.

9. Eat slowly.

While you are eating, chew slowly and appreciate the taste of your food. Don't devour it and scarf it down!

10. Wear snug clothes.

This seems like a strange tip, but it works! Your mind will be busy focusing on your stomach rather than overeating. 


Happy holidays! ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3

How to Give Back During the Holidays

The holidays are not meant for being greedy and just accepting gifts, like Mr. Scrooge. (Bah!) I decided to make a list of ways to give back during the holidays. It's so much fun, once you get into it, and this isn't just a holiday kind of thing! You should definitely do this year round.

1. Volunteer work

Helping out at a local children's place or putting together meals for the unfortunate is definitely better than sitting around doing nothing. It also helps build character, and makes you feel thankful for what you have.

2. Donate

You know what they say, someone's trash may be someone's  treasure. Go through your closet and pick out clothes, toys, or any items you don't see yourself using very often, and donate it! They will appreciate it, and you'll notice a less stuffy room!

3. Write cards

Something as simple as writing cards does so much! They let your friends and family know how much you appreciate and love them.

4. Care packages

I always feel guilty when I'm in the car, and a homeless man asks for money. Honestly, you don't want to give them money, as they may not spend it on the right things. Instead, make a care package. Put all of the contents in an easily mobile bag.

Here's some ideas to fill it with:
-socks
-toothpaste/toothbrush
-crackers, or food that doesn't expire
-water
-hand sanitizer
-a first aid kit
-an encouragement letter
-deodorant
-chap stick
-mints/gum
-hand lotion
-scarf/hat/gloves


There are so many other ways to give back, be creative! Oh, and only 6 more days until Christmas!

Happy giving! ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3

Secret Santa! Shh...

Doing Secret Santa with your friends is so much fun! Not only are you giving gifts, but you can learn more about your person! Anyways, the point of the game is to buy or make gifts for your person and be a secret "Santa." You don't want them to find out who you are! Here, I created a sheet that will help you know your person more and what they like.

Also, comment down below if you printed it out!

Shh... ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3

Christmas Party Food DIY

These Christmas treats are so adorable, you might not want to eat it!

1.  Frosty the Snowman Melted Cookies

All you have to do is bake some cookies, add white frosting, half a mini Reese's, two mini chocolate dots for eyes, and an orange sprinkle for a carrot nose. You can also do this on cupcakes!

2. Nutter Butter Santas

Dip both sides of the Nutter butter with white chocolate, and sprinkle some red sprinkles on one side. Add another little dot, two chocolate eyes, and a red hot! You can even change the colors to make Rudolph!

3. Snowy Chocolate Pinecones

Yeah, just follow the pictures. It turns out so pretty!

4. Strawberry Santa Hats

Cut off the stem and dip that part into chocolate. Add a little dot to the tip and bam! It's so easy and healthy!

5. Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Yum! Stick together (on a toothpick) a marshmallow, strawberry, banana slice, and a green grape for the Grinch's head!

All of these treats look so cute, and they are very easy to create yourself! I hope you have tons of fun making these!

16 days! ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3

My Favorite Christmas Songs!

I can't believe there's only 16 more days until Christmas!! I'm so excited, and it's coming up fast! Hearing Christmas songs just put me in a jolly spirit! I love the more traditional songs, but the modern ones are pretty catchy! Here is a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs!

1. Last Christmas
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
3. All I Want for Christmas is You
4. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
5. A Holly Jolly Christmas
6. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
7. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
8. Santa Tell Me
9. Baby it's Cold Outside
10. White Christmas
11. Silent Night
12. Deck the Halls
13. Jingle Bells
14. The First Noel
15. 12 Days of Christmas

16. O Little Town of Bethlehem

I hope y'all enjoy listening to these catchy tunes, and have a Merry Christmas!

Ho ho ho! ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3

Christmas Gift Guide: Boys Edition

I don't know about you, but figuring out gifts for men is extremely difficult. Whenever I ask my dad or brother what they want for Christmas, they always answer with an I don't know or "surprise me". Like, what do they really like? Are they sporty, proper, or what? I have created a gift guide (and it was NOT easy), and you can definitely use this for any other reason than Christmas (like birthdays or random occasions).

Sporty

-Their favorite team's jersey
-Gatorade chews
-Sports stores gift cards (Academy or Sports Authority
-Nike Socks (They're so comfortable, and they make custom ones)

Tech

-A book they've been wanting
-Book light
-Video games or headsets
-Charging phone case

Hipster

-A cool phone case
-Nice shoes (Vans? Nike? This is on the more expensive side)
-Beanies (Hey! It's not just for girls)
-Cool sweaters or t-shirts

Funny

-Banana phone (or anything you find) extension. I would actually like one for myself
-Lego slippers (Hahaha! So cute!)
-Tortilla pencil case
-Foodie hoodie

Random Things

-Candy. Everyone likes candy
-Headphones
-Sportswear
-Movies
-Cologne
-Sports game ticket

If you're not sure what to get her, click here for a gift guide for her!

Happy holidays! ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3

Christmas Gift Guide: Girls Edition

If you can't find what to buy her, here is a gift guide based off their personality. Girls are definitely much easier to buy gifts for, especially if you're a girl! Anyways, enjoy!

Girly

-Makeup

-Jewelry

-Gift card to favorite clothing store

-A purse

-Perfume

-Nail polish

Athletic

-Sportswear gift card 

-Water bottle

-Athletic jacket

-Headphones for running

Casual

-Mugs

-Sweaters or cozy pajamas

-Slippers

-Candles

-Favorite Christmas movie

Hipster

-Cute phone case

-Vans or Converse 

-Penny board 

-A good book

Random Gifts

-Candy (Yup. It's not just for boys)

-Lululemon headbands

-Polaroid camera

-Hair curler/straightener

-Wristlet

-Cute hair ties (they don't leave a bubble bump)

Not sure what to get him? Click here for guys gift guide!

Stay safe! ---Emily: The Girly Girl Department <3