The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, food, booze, and even for relaxing. It can be hard to stay on track with your health and fitness goals when there are many tempting treats and reasons to lounge around every corner. But know that with a bit of effort and some planning, you can indulge in all your favorite holiday activities while still keeping your health a priority. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Plan According To Realistic Goals
The first step is to make a plan and set some realistic health goals. Consider what your overall goals are for the holiday season. Are you trying to lose or maintain your weight? Or stay healthy and fit? No matter what your goal is, make sure it’s attainable and will fit into your lifestyle.
For example, if your goal is to lose weight, don’t set a plan to lose 10 pounds in two weeks. Not only is that unrealistic, but it’s also unhealthy and could result in you feeling deprived and discouraged. A better goal would be to lose 1-2 pounds per week. That way, you’re more likely to stick with your plan and see results.
Don’t forget to list the kind of foods and how much you’ll be eating over the holidays. This will help you stay mindful of your intake and help prevent overeating.
Eat Mindfully
The holidays are when everyone expects everybody to indulge in food. Besides, this is when all the best foods come out! So instead of feeling guilty about eating all your favorite holiday dishes, enjoy them. But be mindful of how much you’re eating, and try to savor each bite.
This doesn’t mean you have to eat like a rabbit, either. Just be aware of your portions and ensure you’re filling up on the things that will satisfy you the most, like lean protein and veggies. And when it comes to dessert, just have a small slice of pie or cake instead of going for seconds.
Remember your goals while eating. Even if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight, you can still eat mindfully and stay on track with your diet. This will allow you to make the most of your holidays without restraining yourself from having a great time.
Keep Moving
Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you have to stop moving. You might think that you are actually getting more exercise because you are cooking more, going to more holiday parties, and running around doing errands. But the truth is, all that extra activity might not be enough to counteract all the sitting and eating you’ll be doing during the holidays.
So make sure you keep up with your regular workout routine as best as possible. If you can’t get to the gym, there are plenty of other ways to get active. Take a brisk walk or do bodyweight exercises at home. Make it a point to keep your body moving, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Think of Timely Activities Where You and Your Family Can Enjoy
The holidays allow you to spend with your loved ones. Spending quality time with people who make you happy can boost your mood and improve your overall health. So instead of feeling stressed about all the things you have to do this holiday season, enjoy the company of those you love most.
If you haven’t any idea how to spice up your holidays this year, consider seasonal events that the whole family can enjoy. For instance, October is when scary Halloween-themed attractions open. You and your family can go to a Halloween party, enjoy a haunted hayride, or visit a haunted house. Just make sure that the activity you choose is something that everyone will enjoy.
For example, your group is all adults and can handle some scary fun. Consider a haunted experience featuring the scariest haunted houses and hayrides. If you are going with little kids, choose a haunted attraction that is better suited for their little hearts. You can check for Halloween events and even buy tickets online after checking which activities best suit your family’s needs and interests.
The same goes for other holidays, like Christmas and New Year. Many activities and events are family-friendly, so you can choose what you think your loved ones will enjoy the most. The trick is to plan what you want to do so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Don’t Forget To Get Enough Rest
The holidays make you very busy, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on sleep. You may be too busy catching up with friends and relatives, cooking, cleaning, and shopping, but getting enough rest is crucial. This will help you stay focused and patient, which are keys when dealing with the holiday rush.
Lack of sleep can make you gain weight, so ensure you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. This will help you feel refreshed and energized the next day. It’s also a good idea to avoid drinking caffeine after 2 pm so you can sleep better at night.
If you find it hard to get enough shut-eye during the holidays, try taking a nap during the day. Even just 20 minutes of napping can improve your mood and increase your energy levels. Make sure you don’t nap too close to bedtime, so you don’t have trouble sleeping at night.
The holidays can be stressful, but following these tips can help you stay on track with your health goals. Just remember to enjoy yourself and focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. After all, that’s what the holidays are all about.
