‘Tis the Season to be Healthy
The holiday season is full of food, family, friends, and fun! However, many people struggle with overindulging in food at this time and find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am here to lend you a helping hand and share my tips with you!
EAT THE COOKIE!
The holiday season is a time to be celebrated with your family and friends. Don’t ruin your fun by restricting yourself of sweet treats and yummy dinners. Eat what you want in moderation! Don’t overindulge, be aware of your choices. You don’t want to feel like you have missed out, but you don’t want to feel like you have indulged in something that wasn’t worth it.
STAY HYDRATED!
Water delivers important nutrients to all of our cells and is crucial for our body. When you don’t drink enough water, your body tends to retain more of it, causing you to feel bloated and hungrier. Water helps you feel full longer without adding any additional calories. Most times you aren’t hungry probably. In reality, you may be just dehydrated.
GRAB A BUDDY AND WERK!
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year with the people you love. Why not get a sweat in together?! Partner workouts are a great way to hold each other accountable and stay in shape during this time. Plan your workout regimen around your holiday agenda and shorten the routine if need be. It can be done at home and still be quick and effective. Then, later on you can cuddle up and sip on hot cocoa by the fire, with the satisfaction of a finished workout.
LOVE YOURSELF!
Self-care is essential at all times, especially around the holiday season. Make time for yourself to relax and release all that stress. It is a busy time of the year, from catching up with old friends, to running around shopping for gifts in a hectic mall, to last minute cooking and more. Take a moment to breathe and unwind. Try out a yoga class, meditate in your room, read a book, or take a hot bath. Treat yourself and someone you love to a couple’s massage as an early Christmas gift, or have a spa day with your mom or friend! These are amazing ideas to help keep your cortisol levels low and limit stress.
SUBSTITUTE!
There are plenty of healthy options you can substitute during the holidays. Ditch the sugary alcoholic beverages and chasers. Alcohol is full of empty calories, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a glass of wine or a night out at the bar. Stick to plain old vodka and a seltzer as a chaser, which are low in calories and don’t have much sugar. Food wise, try substituting eggs, bananas, and chocolate protein powders in your baking recipes, instead of baking soda and other sugary ingredients. However, when you make healthier choices, watch out for additives when catering food! Most places overdo it on the dressing, so ask for it on the side or water it down yourself. Forget the extra salt, dips, and sauces. Create your own healthy dressings and homemade dips. With that, whole grain and multigrain chips are the best way to keep it somewhat healthy and tasty at the same time.
REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. Go out with your friends and family, eat the foods you want, and dance your way through the night. “Life happens quickly, and before you know it mid-November will become New Year’s Day. Don’t let those moments of magic and joy during the holidays slip by!”
