It’s the most wonderful time of year and also the most stressful, busy, draining, and crazy time as well. This is your friendly reminder to NOT put your health on the back-burner this season and instead make it a priority. With some proactive strategies, you can enjoy the holidays (not just survive them!), while maintaining your well-being. Check out our top 5 tips for a healthy holiday season:
1. Get active. While you’re penciling in holiday parties and performances, don’t forget to schedule in exercise that will help make or break your physical and mental health during this busy month. Regular physical activity can be an excellent stress reliever, and will help burn off those extra holiday calories. Exercise helps release endorphins, which boost your mood and reduce stress…yes, PLEASE! Whether it’s a brisk walk, gym session, or yoga class, staying active this season will not only help with weight management but also boost your mood and energy levels.
Healthy Tip: Get motivated to get active with a Step challenge, where you can win CASH PRIZES for hitting your step goal!
2. Plan ahead and practice portion control. Surrounded by endless supplies of sweets and treats, it can be difficult to navigate healthy eating during the holidays. Before attending holiday gatherings or events, consider eating a small ahead of time, or bringing a healthy side dish with you. This can help curb your appetite and prevent overindulgence when you’re surrounded by tempting treats. Choose nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains to help you feel fuller for longer.
Another helpful tip to avoid overeating is to practice portion control by eating off smaller plates and measuring your food intake. Start with modest servings, and if you’re still hungry, opt for additional servings of vegetables or lean proteins rather than calorie-dense dishes.
Healthy Tip: Keeping a food journal to track your daily food intake is a great resource to help ensure your staying mindful of your eating habits.
3. Be Mindful of Liquid Calories. Between parties at celebrations, holiday beverages like eggnog, alcoholic cocktails, and sugary sodas can easily contribute to weight gain. Limit your intake of high-calorie drinks and opt for water, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of the calorie content.
Healthy Tip: Experiment with low-calorie mocktails that you can enjoy in place of or with alcoholic drinks. Check out this delicious Low-Sugar Holiday Spritzer from Ilana Muhlstein!
4. Don’t skimp on sleep. Adequate sleep is vital for managing stress and maintaining your health. Focus on having a consistent sleep schedule, especially during the holidays when stress can be at an all-time high. Limit or avoid caffeine after noon, and minimize screen time before bedtime to ensure a good night’s rest.
5. Mindset is everything. The holidays should be about celebrating and enjoying time with loved ones, not obsessing over food or feeling guilty about indulging occasionally. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Avoid self-criticism if you indulge in treats—instead, focus on balance and moderation throughout the holiday season.
We know it can be hard making yourself and your health a priority, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. However, you’ll find that when you do make your health a daily focus, the craziness of the season will become a bit more manageable!
Now that you’ve read our 5 tips for a healthy holiday season, here’s an added tip: start a HealthyWager to help boost your motivation and keep you on track with your goals! It’s the individual weight loss challenge customized to you, where you could get paid up to $10,000 for hitting your personal weight loss goal! Ready to get started? Enter your information in the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to find out how much you can win!!
