Getting through holidays and staying fit is not the easiest task from Thanksgiving to New Years! But it can be done! Here are a few tips to help you stay on track for a healthier holiday season!
- Maintain Moderation: Moderation is about eating only as much food as your body needs. It’s also about balance. Eating well is not about deprivation—it’s about that good feeling you get when you eat something that is flavorful, wholesome and satisfying. No food should be off limits. Studies show that depriving yourself of the foods you love, especially in the name of dieting, may cause you to overeat later. Embrace a delicious and healthy way of eating that you can sustain for your whole life. The bottom line is that maintaining a healthy weight comes down to balancing the amount of calories you eat with the amount you expend during the day. So if you’re going to have that piece of cake, think about cutting back somewhere else or exercising a little longer. The best way is to reduce portion sizes of unhealthy foods and not eating them as often.
- Drink Water: Before heading out for a dinner or party, drink plenty of water. Have a glass when you first get there and frequently during the meal. Drinking water not only slows down eating, but also hydrates your body. Being dehydrated can often make one feel hungry when they are not.
- Take a Healthy Dish: Bringing a healthy option to a dinner gathering will ensure you have one there. You may be surprised at how others choose that as well if they are on the same track for a healthy holiday season.
- Stay Active: Try to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Yes, we all love the family time in the den and relaxing while watching football games, but make sure you keep moving some! Park far away when out shopping, take a family walk, take a walk up and down the stairs a few times, or play games rather than gathering around the kitchen snack area.
- Keep your fitness routine and plan early: Keep to your current routine as much as possible. Make a plan for each week and check off your progress each day so that you are accountable. Also, expect the unexpected just exercise early! This way, you still exercise and get it over with! During the holidays, many unexpected barriers arise such as getting stuck in traffic, more errands that cut out afternoon workout time and you just need to get ready for an event….others wanting to spend more time and encouraging a gathering rather than you going to the gym….we all know the day can get away from us! By exercising early and first thing in the morning, you can still enjoy your time with family and friends. Encourage them to join you to walk and talk too! You can exercise together rather than planning activities that revolve around food. Even if the gym is closed, keep workout videos with you or download one from the numerous apps that are out there.
- Drink with Moderation: Don’t get dehydrated and remember each drink adds calories!
- Sleep Well: The holidays are filled with events and gatherings that can curtail sleep. Make sure you stick to your sleep routine as closely as possible and that you obtain adequate amounts of sleep. Sleep deprivation will make it more difficult to be motivated to exercise and has been shown to result in weight gain.
Enjoy your healthier holiday season!