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    A Nutritionist Swears These Hacks Will Help You Eat Healthier During the Holidays

    Welcome to The Everygirl Podcast. Whether you’re looking for insider secrets from successful women that have your dream job, are interested in expert advice to transform your health and feel your best, or just want to be entertained and laugh along with us on your commute, we’ve got you covered.

    ‘Tis the season—that is, ‘tis the season for green beans to carry the entire nutritional value of our holiday meals on their backs. Healthy eating during the holidays can be incredibly difficult: from grappling with guilt for indulging to limited healthy options, sometimes an event that is meant to be festive can instantly become stressful.
    This week on The Everygirl Podcast, we spoke with Lisa Moskovitz, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, to break down all of the stressors related to food and eating during the holidays, and exactly how to tackle them. Moskovitz is an expert on all things related to intuitive eating, maintaining a healthy relationship with food, and combating diet culture. So read on for Moskovitz’s top three tips for healthy eating during the holidays without stress (hint: the green beans are definitely gonna make the plate), and check out this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast for more.

    1. Reevaluate your relationship with food through reflective journaling
    Chances are that at some point in your life, you’ve heard that the most common time of year to gain weight is the holiday season, and–if you have a complicated relationship with food–you might find this fact very stressful. Moskovitz wants to put your mind at ease, because she has found through her own nutrition practice that the average winter weight gain for most people is less than 1lb (so it is not worth the stress!). For Moskovitz, the far more important thing than what you are eating during the holiday season is why you are eating it.
    In order to combat some of the complex feelings about food and nutrition that can come up during the holiday season, Moskovitz recommends getting into journaling. This does not mean tracking your calories in a journal or even writing down what you eat; instead, Moskovitz recommends writing about how you feel about food and the holiday season first. Asking yourself why you might feel triggered by certain foods, or even just thinking about what it means to you to be able to sit down and truly enjoy a holiday meal with your loved ones can make all the difference in your mindset approaching the holiday season.

    2. Eat balanced meals at regular intervals
    We’ve all been there: it’s 3 p.m. on one of the busiest work days leading up to the holidays, and suddenly you realize that the last thing you ate was a plate of cookies and a glass of eggnog the night before. As busy as this time of year may be, Moskovitz emphasizes the importance of eating meals at regular intervals as often as possible. “With holidays, especially if you are someone who’s hosting or preparing or busy with deadlines, it’s very common and easy to skip meals,” Moskovitz said. “What I always tell people is that you can eat a little bit now, or you can eat a lot more later. It’s very important to be consistent with eating times and stay nourished.”
    According to Moskovitz, eating balanced meals regularly will make it much easier to be mindful about your food choices during the holiday season. Her formula for a well-balanced meal includes fiber-rich carbs, lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory fats. When you stay consistent with your eating habits, you can feel the benefits of a stable mood, less anxiety about food, and more energy throughout the entire season.

    3. Fill half of your plate with vegetables
    As wonderful as they are, holiday buffets can be overwhelming. Moskovitz says there are just two key questions to ask yourself when faced with any food choices: what am I craving, and how can I make this more nutritious? She emphasizes that it’s not about labeling foods as good or bad, or about calorie counting: it’s about eating in tune with what you know will satisfy you and make you feel best. If you do want to follow a formula, Moskovitz suggests filling half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with a starch. She says that it is always important to include something you’re craving on your plate, whether it’s mac and cheese or a slice of pie, because doing so will allow you to eat healthy while still genuinely enjoying a delicious holiday meal. More

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    What Our Wellness Editor Is Buying on Cyber Monday for Her 2023 Self

    All year long, we talk about making investments for your health: make a smoothie, sign up for the workout, take 30 minutes for a meditation routine. But today, we have the chance to make investments in our health at a fraction of the price. I love a good Cyber Monday sale as much as the next girl, and while I can’t say no to a new pair of boots or pretty home decor, I get especially stoked for the wellness sales. I think of it as investing my money in my health instead of spending it on products or items I’ll never use. And this year, the sales are good.
    Yes, this is me officially encouraging you to take a pause from buying gifts for other people and to buy some gifts for yourself. Except these will be the gifts that keep on giving because the excitement doesn’t stop when you receive them in the mail: these items will actually help you become happier, healthier, more energized, and all around better. 2023 you will thank you. Read on for the wellness essentials that earned their place in my cart, and that can help you achieve all your greatest health goals–at a major discount.

    In this article

    Athleisure wear and gadgets that will make you want to work out

    Supplements that will make you feel your best

    Kitchen updates that will inspire you to eat healthier

    Self-care products to treat yourself 

    Our Wellness Editor’s Go-To Supplements for Every Health Goal or Symptom More

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    10 Habits Women Who Are Always in Shape Adopt During the Holidays

    I think we’d all agree that staying in shape January through October is one thing, but come Thanksgiving, keeping it up through the rest of the calendar year is a whole new ballgame. With holiday celebrations penciled in every weekend, treats everywhere you turn, and year-end deadlines to meet, this season can make anyone feel like throwing in the towel to maintain any semblance of a healthy routine. While it may take more intention and motivation to stay healthy during the holidays, women who are always fit have the best-kept secret: keeping up simple habits to lean into joy and keep the stress at bay. 
    PSA: Being “in shape” doesn’t mean looking a certain way or weighing in at a defined number on the scale. Rather, it means being your highest, best, healthiest self—however that looks or feels for you. With that in mind, let’s dive into the 10 habits that women who are always in shape adopt during the holidays. 

    1. They shift their focus
    Truth: It’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday sales frenzy (looking at you, Black Friday), a schedule overbooked with social obligations, and checking off everyone on your list. But women who are always in shape don’t get sidetracked by alluring emails, parties overflowing with food and drinks, and the commercialization of the season—they focus on fostering connections and making memories to nourish and care for their bodies. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, prioritize activities that bring you joy, and hygge-fy your home (give me all the cozy blankets!). Your body will reap the benefits. 

    2. They don’t have “good foods” and “bad foods” in their vocabulary
    If women who are always in shape stand by one thing, it’s that a healthy approach to wellness is not all or nothing, especially when it comes to food. It’s not polishing off an entire pumpkin pie or passing on every dessert that’s calling your name. Instead of swearing off sweets because they’ve been scorned with the scarlet letter “B” (for bad), healthy women know that they can have their cake and feel good about themselves, too. They enjoy every bite on their plate and don’t sweat the sugar high while still tuning into their hunger cues, which can prevent binging everything in sight later on. Oh, and their other holiday hack? Noshing on some protein and healthy fats before that Christmas soirée where you know your cookie habit will likely present itself.     

    3. They sip smarter 
    What’s this festive season without some holiday cheer in the form of libations? In-shape women know that healthy drinking during the holidays doesn’t imply having to go cold turkey and cutting out alcohol all together (but that’s OK, too!). Instead, it means knowing what your personal limits are and practicing mindful drinking. If you’re a one-and-done kinda gal and call it a night after knocking back one glass of mulled wine (same), cheers to that! And when the healthiest women enjoy a cocktail or two (or three) at the office holiday party, they have a few tricks up their sleeves: They eat a protein-rich meal or snack beforehand, opt for a healthier option (no sugary cocktail mixer), double-fist it with water, curb their alcohol intake 3-4 hours before bed, and keep supplements like vitamin B complex and activated charcoal on hand. 

    4. They don’t go on detoxes 
    PSA: Despite what diet culture has ingrained in us, you don’t have to go on a juice cleanse to make up for your holiday indulgences. Health-conscious women skip the associated shame and regret that often comes with overeating and don’t feel the need to “get back on track” the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas with calorie counting, restrictive diets, and intense workouts. The body detoxifies itself on its own, with the liver doing a lot of the heavy lifting to rid the body of substances it sees as waste or harmful. So let your body do its job, and focus on intuitive eating, stretching or engaging in light exercise, staying hydrated with water, loading up on veggies, and taking self-care up a notch. 

    5. They cook more meals at home
    Consider whipping up healthy, home-cooked meals a healthy woman’s love language and healthifying traditional holiday recipes without sacrificing flavor her repertoire. Preparing meals yourself not only equals control over what goes into them (read: more fresh, whole foods), but also more savings in your bank account (talk about a win-win). Bonus tip: Add in in-season produce like root vegetables (think: sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash) packed with micronutrients and dietary fiber to your dishes to help regulate your digestion and stay fuller longer. Need some inspo? Look no further than these plant-based holiday recipes. Even your most discerning relative will be going back for seconds, and they’ll still be none the wiser. 

    6. They adapt their workouts
    The weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean your exercise routine can’t be delightful. The healthiest women change up their sweat sessions according to the seasonal changes and how their bodies feel. During the summer months, pounding the pavement or HIIT classes may have been what your body craved, but it should come as no surprise if your body is now telling you to slow it down with Pilates or yoga. What’s more, rather than seeing exercising as a chore or punishment for the one-too-many cookies they ate while baking the night before, the healthiest women keep the mindset that they have the privilege to work out and do it out of enjoyment.

    7. They get 7-9 hours of quality sleep–every night
    With Hallmark Christmas movies running on repeat and The Great British Baking Show: Holidays premiering on Netflix, it takes a certain kind of self-control to refrain from staying up until the wee hours of the night, especially when you don’t have to wake up early for work. But not getting enough optimal shut-eye often leads to a host of consequences, including lack of energy, anxiety, and poor decision-making, not to mention consuming more foods that are high in sugar and trans fat. Bottom line: Save the Fa-La-La-La-La streaming for the daytime and limit screen time at night. Rest, restore, and repeat. The result? Improved mood, strengthened immune system, stress relief, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

    8. They get in movement throughout the day 
    Whether its their active work break or dog-walking route, women who are always in shape make it a point to get some extra steps in because they know that walking can do wonders for their physical and mental health (but they don’t obsess over the number of steps they hit in a day!). Aside from improving cardiovascular fitness and helping sustain a healthy weight, regular walking can improve your mood, cognition, and sleep. Take the stairs whenever possible, park your car farther away when hitting the grocery store or mall for that essential recipe ingredient or last-minute gift, take the longer hiking path, put your desk treadmill to good use, and give your abode the Home Edit touch (guest-ready never looked better). 

    9. They get in tune with their feelings  
    The so-called “most wonderful time of the year” can also be met with holiday blues, leaving you with anything but holiday spirit. When the healthiest women are facing loss, family stress, a recent breakup, or not going home for the holidays, they make space for their feelings around it, tune out the noise around them, and go inward. Whether that looks like breathwork, putting pen to paper, meditation, or saying affirmations, they hit pause, take a moment for themselves, and pay attention to what thoughts may be ruminating and any sensations they’re feeling sans judgement. The takeaway? Seek mindfulness, and feel all your feelings, be kind to yourself, let go of expectations of what the holidays should look like, and just breathe. Holiday stress, be gone!  

    10. They don’t limit themselves to traditions 
    Over the years, you and your loved ones probably developed traditions around holiday occasions—from grandma’s to-die-for sweet potato casserole to competing for the family trophy in a game of touch football. But women who are always in shape like to shake things up and keep life interesting. After all, people who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions than those who stick to the same. Who says you can’t substitute the turkey for an Italian sausage lasagna or a vegetarian shepherd’s pie and deck the halls over a few days instead of all at once as soon as the post-Thanksgiving food coma subsides? Consider exploring new ways to observe the holidays, like rounding up your friends for a turkey trot, volunteering at your local food bank, fostering a dog in need of a home, or creating a vision board. One tradition always worth keeping around? Counting your blessings. 

    10 Insanely Easy Habits You Can Do To Be Happier This Time of Year More

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    6 Ways To Cope With the Holidays When You’re Sad

    The most wonderful time of year is filled with joy and celebration—for most of us. However, there are many people who experience the opposite set of emotions during the holiday season. If you are someone who is dealing with loss, difficult family dynamics, heartbreak, or spending the holidays alone, it can be a harsh reminder of what you’re missing.
    As isolating as it might feel to be surrounded by people who are in a cheery mood (both online and in person), you are not alone if you’re struggling. The holiday blues can start as early as November 1 for many people. But rest assured, it is still possible to enjoy the holiday season with the help of these six coping strategies:

    Don’t compare yourself to others
    Comparing yourself to others is never a good idea—online or in real life. But remember that comparison is the thief of joy, so making a conscious effort to avoid the comparison game this season will go a long way. If you find yourself feeling sad or envious that you don’t have what others have this season (whether that’s money to spend on gifts, a big family to spend the season with, or a significant other to take mistletoe pictures with), take a step back for a few days. This could look like not attending a party where all of your friends will be with their significant others or simply logging off of social media for a few days.

    Start a new tradition
    Traditions don’t have to be decades old; you can start new traditions any time you want! And the holidays are the perfect time to do so. Between choosing a new tradition, planning it, and involving others (or not!), you can have a lot of fun—and distract yourself from any sadness you may be feeling about other parts of your life. There are countless new traditions that you can start with family members, friends, your significant other, or solo. Some of our favorites include starting a holiday book club, having a movie marathon, and doing a cookie swap.

    Give back
    Studies show that giving can boost your physical and mental health, and during the holidays, there are various volunteering opportunities that you can get involved with. Some of our favorite things to do to give back are volunteering at a soup kitchen, adopting families for groceries or gift-giving, donating to a food bank, participating in a Giving Tree, and donating warm clothing. Choose whichever community project or organization that feels close to your heart, and set your sights on how you can make a difference in other people’s lives through volunteering. You can even make it a tradition to do it every year, too!

    Plan something to look forward to
    If the only thing you’re counting down to is the first day you get back to work after the holidays, consider this your sign to plan something way more exciting than that to look forward to! Whether you want to plan something during the holiday season or after (or both!) is up to you, but having something to be excited about either way will boost your spirits. Can we suggest a solo spa day, a staycation, or a shopping trip with your girlfriends?

    Set boundaries
    Setting boundaries can help you manage any further sadness and stress this holiday season. To do this, start by identifying your needs and/or any triggers you anticipate, and create a plan to have boundaries around them to protect your peace. For example, if you recently went through a breakup and don’t want to get into the details with anyone or think about it at all (we don’t blame you!), make sure you let the people in your life know that you will not be discussing it—especially during this season. Decide what your boundaries need to be, and communicate them clearly to prevent spiraling into deeper sadness.

    Seek support
    A support system is crucial no matter what time of year it is or how you are feeling, but it is especially beneficial when you are feeling your worst. Make sure you have someone you feel comfortable talking to whether they are a family member, your best friend, or a mental health professional, and rely on them throughout the season. If those closest to you don’t know that you need additional support at this time, consider opening up to them about what you’re going through so they can be there for you.

    How to Cope With These Common Holiday Triggers More

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    Will there be a long weekend in the UAE next week?

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    39 mins ago

    If you’re looking to plan a small getaway, there might be a long weekend to look forward to next week.
    Another public holiday will be marked in the UAE next weekend for the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday which will fall on 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal.
    In the Gregorian calendar, this is predicted to be on Friday, October 7, 2022, or Saturday, October 8, 2022. So, if the public holiday falls on a Friday, UAE citizens and residents will enjoy a three-day weekend. However, we need to await confirmation from authorities on when the public holiday will officially fall.

    #UAE announces holidays for public, private sector for 2021-2022.#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/vq7Aoy2RGQ
    — UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) December 19, 2020

    While the long weekend next weekend is still yet to be confirmed, citizens and residents across the UAE will enjoy a four-day weekend to mark Commemoration Day and National Day at the beginning of December.
    UAE Commemoration and National Day
    The next long weekend is will take place for the country’s Commemoration Day and National Day on December 1 and 2. It will fall on a Thursday and Friday this year, with the official days off for these dates being Thursday, December 1 until Sunday, December 4, 2022.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are determined by UAE authorities.
    For more information visit u.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Instagram @mindz.eye More

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    Eid Al Adha 2022: UAE officially announces holidays for public & private sector

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    The UAE government has announced the Eid Al Adha holidays for both private and public sector employees.
    Per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), the holiday will take place from Friday, July 8, 2022, until Monday, July 11, 2022.
    Per an announcement made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), the public sector would also enjoy a four-day break on the same dates.

    #MOHRE announces the #EidAlAdha holiday in the private sector from 8 – 11 July. Work will resume on Tuesday, 12 July. Eid Mubarak! pic.twitter.com/kHaDKVkJCj
    — MOHRE_UAE وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 30, 2022

    Work for both sectors will resume on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
    The announcement was made following, the Dhu Al Hijja crescent moon which was sighted on Wednesday evening by Saudi Arabia’s Tumair Observatory, according to the Kingdom’s Supreme Court for the festival of sacrifice.
    So if you’re looking to take a break, without the added hassle of travelling, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the luxe staycations to book for a quick escape in the UAE. If you wish to travel without the COVID-19 restrictions, Emirates Woman has made a list of all the countries that are easy to book without any PCR test or vaccination certificate requirements.
    With the upcoming Islamic holiday all set to fall next week, per the Gregorian Calendar, we’ve also rounded up when you can expect the rest of the public holidays in the UAE to fall in 2022.
    Islamic New Year
    A couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around July 30, 2022.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around October 8, 2022.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2022, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @emmett_sparling More

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    How to Set Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep

    Even though I know I don’t have to wait for the new year to start a new habit, new beginnings leave me wanting to feel like a new(er) version of myself and make resolutions to get there. But whatever resolutions I decide to make, I know that I’m going to do it out of self-love, not self-hate. For example, if your resolution is to work out more, do it because exercise helps you manage stress or because exercise makes your body feel good and your body deserves it, not because you want to change your body as it is or punish your body for the food you ate over the holidays. When you make resolutions rooted in fear or self-hate, you’re more likely to abandon the goal altogether by March (trust me). Because you deserve to feel accomplished, confident, and happier by 2023, here’s how to set resolutions you’ll actually keep.

    1. Get clear on what you want and why
    Stop and reflect on the last year and how you want to feel in the new year. What does that look like for you? Think about what it would look and feel like when you meet your resolution, and get specific (and I mean really specific). One of my resolutions is to hit the treadmill for at least 30 minutes whenever the day has me stressed because I feel less stressed when I am able to move. Maybe for you, it’s leaving for work 20 minutes early because you want to feel more relaxed and not rushing in the morning helps (or you feel your most productive when you have time to pick up an oat milk brown sugar shaken espresso from Starbucks). Tune out other expectations and visualize all the details around how you want to feel, and then set action goals around that feeling.

    2. Make the resolution realistic and manageable 
    We often set resolutions that we think are manageable but are actually impossible, and it’s the unrealistic resolutions that’ll have you tripping. For starters, try not to make too many changes at once. I want you to dream big sis, but I also want you to understand the assignment. Break down larger goals into smaller ones to position yourself to celebrate and be motivated by small wins. If your resolution is to get a certification in your career field, break that resolution into tasks, like getting the study materials or registering for the exam, to figure out your targeted completion date. Proclaiming that you’ll study six hours every day when you can realistically only study two hours a day might leave you feeling discouraged or overwhelmed and eventually ghosting your resolution. 

    3. Plan ahead
    Give your resolutions a fighting chance by setting yourself up for success. Try attaching your resolutions to any established habits you already have that you do regularly without thinking about it. If your resolution is to read eight books this year, and you’ve made more it manageable by breaking it down to read for at least 10 minutes everyday, make getting into bed your “trigger habit” to get cozy with a good book. Check if any of your resolutions pair well together. For example, your resolution to level up your skincare routine would go great with your bedtime reading resolution. Plan ahead by having your skincare items within reach and pick out a book ahead of time for your nightstand. The key is to find maintainable steps you can proactively take that support your resolution and work for you and your lifestyle.

    4. Switch up your routine
    One of my favorite quotes is “The definition of insanity is to do the same things and expect different results.” If your resolution is to change jobs, what do you intend to do differently this year to get to that resolution? More specifically, what habits do you have now that are holding you back from that resolution? Maybe you tend to lose two to three hours each night watching TV or scrolling on social media that could be spent fluffing up your resume or making connections on LinkedIn. Reassess your current routines and how you’re spending your time to block out time that would be better used to learn a professional skill, check job listings, or network with professionals in your industry. What we water grows, so realistically update your routine to reflect your new priorities.
     
    5. Schedule checkpoints
    Stay on track throughout the year by scheduling checkpoints. Depending on the length of your resolution, these dates can be weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Because you’ve thought about what it looks and feels like to meet your resolution, you’ll have the metrics needed to be able to tell how it’s going. For example, if your resolution is to save $5,000 for a vacation at the end of 2022, try checking your progress monthly. Have you been depositing $417 each month into your savings? Do you need to make any changes to your budget to help you stay on track? The pre-scheduled checkpoints give you a chance to reward yourself if you’ve met your smaller goals or adjust as necessary if you’ve been struggling. Having a schedule in place will increase the likelihood that you’ll hit your resolution by Dec. 31. 

    6. Get an accountability buddy
    I love checking in with my sister on the progress we’re both making with our goals. We encourage each other to stay focused on the big picture. Even though our resolutions aren’t exactly the same, our check-ins with each other are reminders not only to keep going but also that we’re not alone in successes or challenges. Your accountability buddy can also be someone in your virtual Weight Watchers group or book club. Having someone to bounce ideas off of, vent to, or be encouraged by makes a huge difference. It’s not about someone holding you accountable because you don’t have the ability to hold yourself accountable (hint: you should enjoy and feel motivated by your goals so much that it’s not hard to hold yourself accountable). Instead, having a “buddy” is about built-in support (it takes a village to reach a resolution!). 
     
    7. Stay inspired
    In order to stay motivated to reach your resolution, immerse yourself in foods, activities, content, and music that inspire you. If you’ve decided to learn French this year, make a French cuisine dinner with your friends to eat while you watch a French film and see how many words you were able to recognize. If your resolution is to run a marathon in the fall, listen to training techniques via YouTube or listen to podcasts with trainers and marathon winners that will keep you inspired and excited. There’s so much content out there to motivate you as you go after your resolution, so immerse yourself in whatever way will keep you inspired. 

    8. Remember your “why”
    Whenever I get distracted from my resolutions, I go back to why I started in the first place and remember that initial intention and how I want to feel. When you’re clear on what you want and why you want it, it’s easier to stay focused—especially when your “why” is rooted in something that matters to you like confidence, happiness, or a longer life. The pride that you feel from learning how to create a healthy and nutritious dish that gives you energy without sacrificing flavor or the idea of spending a longer life with the people you love will motivate you more than the desire to have a six-pack ever could. 

    9. Be kind to yourself
    Show yourself compassion if (and when) you fall short of your expectations. Talk to yourself as you would a friend (and we both know that friends don’t let friends trash talk themselves!). Journal or document your progress and also how you’ve been feeling while taking steps toward your resolution. Making progress toward your resolution is more important than being “perfect” or hitting your exact goals because you’re still getting closer to how you want to feel and the intention that matters to you. If you put yourself down or feel bad for not hitting certain expectations, your chances of ghosting said resolution will go up, so be kind to yourself, talk to yourself like you would a friend, and know that sometimes, resolutions are meant to be a starting point to become our best selves, not a final destination.
     

    The 15 Best Books for Your New Year’s Resolutions

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    Subscriptions to Gift the Wellness Lover in Your Life This Holiday

    If you’re looking for a gift they’ll actually use or need something last minute that still looks like you put a lot of thought into it, I have the solution for you: wellness subscriptions. If you’re anything like me, you spend most of the holiday season searching for the perfect gift that will make your loved one’s eyes light up when they open it. I love gifting items that my friends and family wouldn’t have thought to buy themselves, and I take great pride in finding unique pieces I know they’ll cherish or use every day. But there are times when someone on my list already has everything they need, so a trinket doesn’t seem like the right answer (looking at you, Dad). That’s when I resort to giving the gift of a membership or subscription. 
    And we’re not talking about the sample size boxes of the past. Subscriptions have come a long way and offer everything from meals to activities to products. Plus, a subscription that will help them eat healthier, exercise more, practice their spiritual health, or boost their mental health will not only be a favorite present during the holidays but will also help them reach their healthiest self in 2022—it’s quite literally the gift that keeps on giving. Read on for wellness boxes and memberships they’ll be sure to enjoy for months to come.

    Nutrition

    Healthy Surprise
    Snack Boxes
    Have a friend who’s recently gone vegan or has food sensitivities? By gifting a subscription to Healthy Surprise’s snack box, you can help keep their pantry stocked with dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, wheat-free, and non-GMO goodies. Whether you select the Classic Box with 15 snacks, the Paleo box with 17 snacks, or the Big Box with 21 snacks, each box will feature a mix of bars, fruits and veggies, drinks, chips, candy, and nuts. Healthy Surprise offers 30, 60, or 90-day delivery frequencies and one, three, six, or 12-month subscription plans.

    Healthy Snack Boxes
    This subscription box is perfect for the health-conscious fitness lovers in your life. Each month, they’ll receive a mix of chips, jerky, drinks, snack bars, and granola, all of which are GMO-free, high in protein, low in sugar, gluten-free, organic, raw, vegan, and all natural. As a nice bonus, Fit Snack also includes nutritional tips, workouts, recipes, and mindfulness exercises with their subscriptions. Share this box with your fit friends for one, three, six or 12 months.

    Blue Apron
    Meal Subscription
    Give your loved one the gift of never having to decide what’s for dinner with a subscription to Blue Apron’s meal kits. The meals are also a great option for the person on your list who hates meal prepping or finding recipes (it’s me, I’m that person). Menu options span from vegetarian to WW-approved options, making this a foolproof gift to share with any friend, regardless of dietary preferences or health goals.

    Daily Harvest
    Meal Delivery Service
    For the loved one who loves to eat healthy but hates to cook, Daily Harvest has dozens of plant-based options, ranging from nutrient-rich smoothies to delicious bowls to vegan and gluten-free flatbreads that arrive freshly frozen for you to heat up whenever you need a meal on demand. Don’t sleep on their lattes, plant-based milks, and ice cream.

    Fitness

    Studio Bloom
    Online Pregnancy/Postpartum Studio Classes
    If you have a new mom on your Christmas list this year, a Studio Bloom membership is a great option if you know they’re working on their pregnancy or postpartum fitness journey. Studio Bloom by The Bloom Method is an on-demand fitness studio with over 300 exercise videos for every stage of pregnancy and motherhood. A subscription also gives access to an online community of like-minded mamas, free consultations with pelvic floor specialists, meditations, and recipes. Memberships are available monthly for $29 or annually for $240.

    Treadthrill
    Intensity Interval Training Subscription
    For the cardio lover in your life, Treadthrill is the ideal gift to keep them running through winter months. Think of it like your personal coach or trainer, with workouts designed for maximum results using choreographed high intensity interval training.

    American Ballet Theatre Zoom Classes
    Does your bestie dream of being on Dancing With The Stars or loves ballet? Look no further for the perfect gift than classes from the American Ballet Theatre. You can take classes from professional ballerinas and choreographers from the comfort of your own home so your loved one can live out their ballet dreams, whether they’re a seasoned dancer or newbie.

    obé Fitness
    Fitness Subscription
    Obé Fitness is basically a boutique fitness studio in your pocket. Filled with dozens of different kinds of workouts from barre to HIIT cardio to kickboxing to yoga, there’s something for everyone. They have an entire library of “express” workouts for 10 minutes and under as well as classes ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. (Trust us, the express classes are legit—you’ll be done with your workout in less time than it takes to make breakfast, but you’ll feel sore for days). Use code “TEG50” for 50% off your first month of Obé in addition to the seven-day free trial. 

    Spiritual Health

    Chakra Balance Shop
    Chakra Box Subscription
    Send good vibes to your spiritual Secret Santa with a Chakra Box Subscription by Chakra Balance Shop. They’ll receive a total of nine boxes with vegan and cruelty-free products, hand selected to assist in aligning a different chakra every month. Subscribers can expect to see a mix of nine to 12 items in each box, including essential oils, teas, crystals, affirmations, and meditations. Each box is $28.50.

    Mindfulness Membership
    We’ve tried the Headspace app before at The Everygirl and recommend anyone with anxiety to give it a try. If you have a friend who’s always stressed, has a hard time sleeping, or is just interested in practicing more general mindfulness, a Headspace membership may be just the thing for them. For $69.99/year or $12.99/month, your loved ones can use Headspace to meditate, exercise, and improve sleep and focus.

    To Be Magnetic
    Manifestation Program
    For the friend who is always working on their vision board, the Pathway Membership by Lacy Phillips is a thoughtful gift that will change their lives. Members will learn to unblock subconscious limiting beliefs and begin manifesting their best lives. The program offers a few pricing options: 12 monthly payments of $27, one annual payment of $324, or $1,500 for a lifetime membership.

    Mental Health

    Self-Care Subscription Box
    Give the gift of self-love and happiness this holiday season. TheraBox is touted as the #1 self-care subscription box with six to eight full-sized products curated by therapists every month. Subscribers will receive mindful activities and journals to process their thoughts and emotions as well as beauty and wellness products to #TreatYoSelf. There are a variety of subscription options, such as monthly for $34.99, three months for $99.99, six months for $191.94, or 12 months for $371.88.

    CoachCrate
    Personal Development Subscription Box
    If someone on your gifting list loves all things personal development and growth, they’ll love a CoachCrate subscription this year (trust me, I’d know. It’s on my wish list). Not one but two boxes are mailed out quarterly and include goodies like personal growth books, coaching plans, custom journals, and two to four self-care or wellness products. Because CoachCrate is so committed to the development of their subscribers, they also offer live Zoom workshops, quarterly challenges, and an online community. Payment options start at $94 for the year or $99 per quarter.

    Silk + Sonder
    Wellness Subscription Box
    For the wellness lover in your life whose favorite section of Target is the stationery aisle, give the gift of a Silk + Sonder subscription. Each month, members will receive a themed planner with writing prompts and exercises for self-reflection. These specially curated planners provide reflection, guidance, planning tools, and accountability. Access to daily audio rituals, a members-only community, and thoughtfully curated content are also included in a Silk + Sonder membership. Subscriptions are available monthly for $19.95, quarterly for $18/month, and annually for $14.90/month.

    25 Edible Gifts To Send to Your Friends This Holiday Season More