Black Friday and Beyond

With Thanksgiving behind us, let’s talk about what’s really going to be on everyone’s mind for the next 3 weeks – shopping! This time of year it pretty much goes without saying that people start to get a little panicky as they scramble to pull everything together in time for Christmas. Between shopping for all the people on your list, mailing out Christmas greeting cards, planning Christmas dinner, and trying to make sure you haven’t forgotten anyone, it’s no wonder that most people start to feel like there just isn’t enough time for a real workout during the holidays. And it doesn’t take long for good nutrition to follow consistent exercise into the realm of putting-off-till-January-when-I-can-cope-again. As people have less time to plan healthy meals and snacks, they will inevitably give in to the quick fix of the Pizza Hut inside Target, or the Burger King around the corner from their apartment. (Yes Matthew, I’m talking to you there.)

For those of you to whom the above scenario feels all too much like an age old holiday tradition, I have one word for you: Technology. Allow me to explain: If you are reading this blog, I will safely assume that you have access to a computer with internet capability. So what do technology and shopping have to do with fitness and nutrition? Simple: by making good use of internet technology this holiday season, you can easily make it through this holiday with both your body and your sanity intact.

In other words, try doing most of your shopping online this year! This will save you the headache of crowds and traffic, and you can usually get better prices too! Nowadays, nearly all department stores deliver to your door, and if they don’t, they can deliver your full order – already paid for – to the store nearest you. All you have to do is pick it up! And because you are shopping online, you don’t have to worry about getting to the store in time before it closes…which might prevent you from going to that Yoga class you’ve been wanting to check out. Most importantly, by doing your shopping at home, you will feel more relaxed and will be in a better mindset to get a great workout and stay strong. You will also have more time and energy to continue planning healthy meals for yourself and your family.

Now I know some of you will have objections. First, to those of you who don’t like to use your credit card online – get over it! I hate to be harsh, but come on people…America has been shopping online now for some time. Just make sure you are using a computer with an up-to-date virus protection, and be sure that the website you are using is a trustworthy source. And of course, always make sure to keep a record of your order and confirmation number until your goods arrive. Believe it or not, these days your credit card information is no less secure online than it is at an ATM machine or at the register of a department store. Second, I know some of you are thinking, “I don’t want to pay shipping and handling!” Really! What about all that gas you use up driving around from store to store? Not to mention that you can more often than not find better prices online than in-store, which tends to more than make up for the extra cost of S&H. And by the way, a lot of websites have deals that offer free S&H on certain products or on orders over a certain dollar amount. Either way, I promise you will save both time and money. Lastly, some of you will say, “But Liv, I LIKE going out shopping!” Of course you do! So do I. But let’s get real. We can go out and enjoy shopping any time of year sans the threat of being trampled by a crazed parent determined to get to the last Zhu-zhu pet or Twilight themed Barbie and Ken before all the other crazed parents.

(And if you just really love the holiday windows at Macy’s, then by all means, a frosty stroll down Michigan Avenue is a great way to get in some active rest!)

By shopping online, not only will you save time and energy, but you may also be less likely to procrastinate because you will not be bombarded by all the distractions provided by in-store shopping. Not to mention that finding that obscure gift for the person on your list that is impossible to shop for will be a cinch. So let’s see…more time and energy for exercise? Check! More time to plan healthy meals? Check! More time for the important things in life like spending quality time with your loved ones? Check! Maintaining sanity for the first time ever this holiday season? Check!

Happy Shopping!