Strata - Including Med, Spa & Fit

MINDFUL EATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Claire Mademann, MS, RD

Many social gatherings during the holidays can mean many delicious treats. That can be a challenge, though; “Do I eat this, or do I eat that and still stay healthy?” is a common question during this time of year. To a degree, many of us associate the holidays and being with friends and family with more food than usual. The good news is that you have the power to choose healthy responses for making good eating decisions.

It first starts when you think about why you want to make healthy eating choices. You may want to stay strong and energetic or continue to keep up with your children and grandchildren. It can also be to manage your weight, avoid having your clothes fit tighter, maintain your athletic performance, and avoid negative moods. For any of these reasons, setting a mindful intention as soon as you wake up each morning to choose healthy behaviors fulfills the answer to that “Why?” you asked yourself earlier.

Here are some strategies: When at a social gathering with a buffet, choose a small plate and sample a little of each item that catches your eye. You certainly don’t have to try everything, but allowing yourself a small taste ensures that you won’t feel deprived. Only consume a small amount of alcohol and sweets not only to save calories but to avoid that post-sugar slump. When you do treat yourself, take time to savor and enjoy each nibble!

These are three questions to ask yourself before starting your special occasion meal to set your best mindful intentions:

● Why am I hungry? Is my stomach really growling, or is it because this is when we “all eat”? ● How hungry am I? ● How do I want to feel after I eat? Sluggish or energized? Motivated to keep making healthy choices?

The first step in choosing a healthy balance when it comes to eating and drinking during the holidays is to choose “mindful intentions” so that you are aware of what you’re doing versus being on autopilot. Let yourself set those intentions at the start of the day and remind yourself often, and you’ll find a much more mindful, enjoyable, and healthy approach as a result versus a stressful situation later.

PUMPKIN ENZYME PEEL FACIAL

50-minutes for $150

Reduce fine lines and hydrate your skin with our Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme facial.

PEPPERMINT PEDICURE

50-minutes for $80

Refresh tired feet with a Peppermint Pedicure for silky-smooth results.

Call 719.520.4988 or email spa-salon@gardenofthegodsresort.com

*Special terms and conditions apply. Limited time only.

STRATA BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENING!

Artisan gifts and Colorado specialty items just in time for the holidays.

Opens Thursday, December 8th in the Gateway Building.

We’re ready to see you all during the Fitness Center’s most productive time of the year! You’ll find the cure to those food- and stress-induced holidays here at your Fitness Center with meditation classes, our full range of exercise equipment, and your friendly, knowledgeable fitness staff to help guide you.

COMING SOON – STRATA FIT’S 3-MONTH FUEL & FITNESS CHALLENGE

Strata Fit and Strata Wellness will partner in 2023 to bring you an innovative, whole-body, and mind program that pairs groups of athletes (YOU!) with personal trainers and our nutritionist in a 90-day challenge designed to truly raise your fitness level to new heights. With weekly nutritional and fitness challenges, our point-based, team-supported event promises to broaden your interests in new meal-planning ideas, 21st-century approaches to increasing your energy, and unique and exciting fitness exercises that you’ll take with you on your own fitness journey. Winners of our $300/person, point-based challenge will receive free 30-minute massages and Artisan Packs from Pueblo Grain & Seed Co. (and bragging rights) - and we promise this challenge will as fun as it is competitive!

NEW AND FAMILIAR FACES

New concierges and UCCS students Dylan Handlovitch and Yana Vainerovsky are at the desk to answer your questions, show you around, and make every fitness center visit productive and enjoyable. Also joining our personal and group training staff, is Celine Osterhaut. She joins our current personal and group training staff - Bev, Ellen, Rodney, Debra, Carissa, Ashley, Rich, Ty, and Flip - in providing a world-class experience. Our personal trainers come from very diverse backgrounds and bring decades of knowledge and fresh ideas from balance and stability, to weightlifting, to golf and tennis conditioning, to corrective exercise, to guided meditation, and sports-specific preparation. We invite you to see what our great team has to offer. 719.329.4009 fitness@gardenofthegodsresort.com

CONSISTENCY

Seeing you here at the Fitness Center truly makes us happy AND grateful. We’ve helped guide thousands of fitness journeys, including our own personal ones. We know that sometimes 90% of the effort comes from Just. Getting. Here. And then your momentum carries you through a great class or self-guided workout that changes your mood, your confidence and your longevity. And as always, you’ll have opportunities to socialize with fellow members who share your passion for self-improvement and improved health. We’re excited to see you soon here at Strata Fit. 10