Top Secrets to staying healthy through the holidays
Here are some tips for staying healthy while enjoying the holiday season.
If you’re new to my blog, Welcome! I’m so glad you are here. My goal is to provide you with tips that help you stay strong and active as you age.
Here are some of my other blogs to check out after you read this one.
- 4 easy changes to get you eating healthier
- Sarah’s journey from pain to her dream job
- Boost immunity naturally with top superfoods
- Top secrets to staying healthy through the holidays
- Easy steps for starting your fitness routine
- Secrets to removing mental blocks to losing weight
- Secrets to a strong, healthy female body
Secret #1 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays - Grab your calendar.
Grab a calendar and let’s get organized. If you’re like me, being unorganized can cause so much stress. And let’s face it. It’s hard to remain enthusiastic when you’re stressed.
Grab your calendar. I am a huge fan of the old fashion paper calendar; however, if you prefer an electronic one like Google Calendar that works too.
Now, let’s log all of your “must-do’s. That includes parties, happy hours, as well as the normal appointments that can’t be missed. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule in your “me-time”. That includes your workouts, meditation, journaling, etc.
I know you’re busy. Your “me-time” doesn’t have to be hours. Taking even 5 minutes for a few deep breaths can do wonders.
Secret #2 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays- Stick with your workouts
You may be tempted to skip your workouts. I’ve been there. I’ve done it too! However, this time of year is when we need to be most vigilant in scheduling our workouts and getting them done.
We need our workouts to help combat the extra calories we are likely to consume. If you didn’t already do it, go back to your calendar and schedule in your workouts.
Keep this in mind:
- Be flexible. You may need to do your workouts in the morning if you normally do them at night.
- Consider shorter blocks of workouts. Two 15-minute blocks are better than skipping it altogether.
- Get in more activity throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take the long way to the conference room at work.
Secret #3 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays - Stay hydrated
Your body is 60%+ water and in order for it to function at it’s best, you’ll need to drink plenty of water.
Find a way to track how much water you’re drinking. Check out this water bottle. This is such a cool and easy way to track how many times you fill your water bottle.
Water will also keep you feeling full.
If you’re drinking adult beverages, consider alternating with a glass of water or two.
Secret #4 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays - Eat Mindfully
So, why is it that we always hang out in the kitchen at parties, nibbling at the snacks while we’re chatting with friends?
Decide before you go to the party what you plan to eat. Will you stick to the healthier snacks and save the really special treats for another party or do you plan to have a dessert or maybe an adult beverage?
Once you’ve selected that decadent dessert, stop and enjoy every bite.
My personal favorite tips for being mindful of what I eat.
Always have a glass of water in your hand! Who can juggle a plate of food with a glass in your hand?
Eat before you go to the party. Even if you plan to eat something at the party, it is best if you’re not hungry when you arrive.
Delay treats for later. Later at that event or save it for another party. I have found that once I start eating a lot of treats, it’s harder to stop. The holiday season is basically 4 weeks long. One or two weeks of treats will save you a lot of calories compared to 4 weeks of treats.
Secret #5 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays- Keep your immune system strong
Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, strawberries, oranges, red, yellow, orange and green peppers, broccoli, spinach etc.
A handful of nuts will give you some healthy fats and protein. They are great for keeping you full too!
Sleep is critical. You’re probably running all day long. As much as we love the holidays, they can be stressful too. Don’t skimp on your sleep. I know it’s easy to get in the mindset that you have too much to do to go to bed early. I get it. I’ve been there too.
If you’re like me, you’ll get more done by going to bed and getting your sleep than trying to slog through everything BEFORE you go to bed.
Secret #6 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays- Find some "me-time"
I know this one is hard for most of us. I’ll relax after the holidays. I’ll take time to get a massage after I get all my holiday shopping done. Sit and read a book – are you crazy? Who has time? Sound familiar?
We’ve all heard the “put on your oxygen mask first”, right? This is something we should always keep in mind. To be our best for others, we really do need to take care of ourselves first. It isn’t being selfish. It is ensuring that we can be at our best for others.
So, find some time for yourself. Take a relaxing bath, light some candles, read a book.
Even if it is just 10 minutes, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel.
Secret #7 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays - Try some healthy substitutions
There are so many food substitutions you can make that will save hundreds of calories, and/or provide more quality nutrition and in most cases you won’t even notice.
Then, when you have that decadent dessert, the impact on the scale won’t be quite so noticeable.
Here are a few of my favorites. Oh, and these aren't just for the holidays!
Swap sour cream for greek yogurt and get some additional protein. Most of us don’t eat enough protein. This is a great way for a little extra.
Maple syrup or honey instead of white sugar. You still get all the sweetness without the processing.
Swap out the cheese based dips for hummus. Have you checked out the dark chocolate dessert hummus yet? OMG! It is so good.
Protein smoothies are a fast and healthy breakfast or lunch. Throw in some veggies like spinach or kale to get an extra serving of veggies. TIP: Add 1/2 banana in your smoothie and it overpowers the taste of spinach/kale. You just have to get used to your smoothie being “green”. You can also try carrots, cauliflower, and cucumber.
Substitute riced cauliflower for white rice. Now, you’re getting a vegetable instead of a carb. I love fried cauliflower rice. It is so good. I don’t miss the rice at all!
Secret #8 to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays- Make a deal (or two) with yourself
- Remember, this isn’t the only time you can ever have pecan pie. If you skip it today, you can always have it another day. Remind yourself it isn’t “NOW OR NEVER”.
- Enjoy the holiday and don’t stress if you do over-splurge. Just get back on track tomorrow. Tomorrow you start with a clean slate.
- Eating healthy and working out every day during the holiday probably won’t happen (for most of us anyway). Do your best. Anything you can do is better than not doing anything.