If you are wondering how you will handle all the sweets, alcohol, and overeating that comes with the holidays, I got you covered!
I have 7 tips for staying healthy during the holidays. Do not make the mistake of waiting until the new year to focus on your health! We all know by now New Year resolutions do not work.
Use these tips to maintain your health and weight loss goals during the holidays.
1. Stay Active
An easy way to stay healthy during the holidays is to stay physically active. But, when it’s cold outside, all you want to do is stay inside and keep warm under blankets. It is understandable if the last thing you want to do is brave the cold and snow to travel to the gym or go for a walk.
You can still stay active by finding exercises you can do at home. Then, put them into your morning or evening routine.
2. Eat Moderately and Mindfully
Good news! You can still eat cookies and pies and stay healthy. Just eat moderately and mindfully. First, choose moderate portion sizes like one cookie or one slice of pie. Then, eat that moderate portion mindfully.
If you know you will only be eating one sugar cookie, really enjoy it. Chew slowly and savor the flavor. Take a moment to really think about what you are eating. When you learn to eat mindfully, you become more satisfied and learn that one cookie or one slice of pie is enough.
Learn more about eating mindfully with the mindful eating challenge.
3. Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping breakfast to save calories for what you will eat later is not a good idea. It will only lead to overeating later and break tip #2.
Plus, eating breakfast keeps your metabolism running well. Eat a healthy breakfast so you can enjoy moderate portions at your holiday dinner.
4. Sleep Well
Sleep is important for both overall health and for maintaining a healthy weight. People who sleep less weigh more. They also tend to eat more because their body is looking for energy elsewhere.
Keep your body running well by sleeping well. Try not to stay up too late at holiday parties or waiting for Santa.
5. Bring a Healthy Dish to Share
Give yourself a healthy option at gatherings by bringing a dish to share!
If you know the only food or drink options available will be unhealthy, offer to help out the host by bringing another dish or drink to share with guests.
6. Watch the Alcohol
Alcohol is high in calories, and mixed drinks are high in sugar. They also lower inhibitions, meaning you will be less likely to eat moderately and mindfully (tip #2).
Try to limit the number of drinks you have and pick healthier options. The blog post 7 Healthier New Year’s Eve Cocktails has more tips on choosing healthier drinks.
7. Be Thankful and Social
Lastly, you can stay healthy during the holidays by remembering to be thankful and spend time with others. Take care of your mental health by taking time to find thankfulness.
Whatever you are going through, finding something to be thankful for always brings more joy into your life.
Also, be sure to spend time with others, whether it be in person or virtually. Social interaction is vital for maintaining mental and physical health. People need people. What better time to reach out to someone than during the holidays?
If this post helped you, share it with others and remember to connect with me on Pinterest and Instagram for more tips! @samanthashuflin
