The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and often, indulgence. But it doesn’t have to derail your health and fitness goals. Here are 11 practical tips to help you stay healthy and active during the festive period:
1. Eat Breakfast
If you have a big holiday dinner planned, you might be tempted to skip breakfast to save stomach space. But this strategy often backfires. You’re likely to feel famished by the time dinner rolls around and end up overindulging because you’re so hungry.
Instead, eat a balanced breakfast in the morning — and a healthy lunch, too, if you’re not celebrating until dinnertime. This approach will help you manage your portions at the main event.
2. Look for Healthier Alternatives
Can’t imagine the holidays without pumpkin pie or chocolate cookies? Look for healthy alternatives to your favorite traditional recipes. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Greek Yogurt and Scallion Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Maple Glaze
- No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Squares
- Candy Cane Cocktail (in moderation of course!)
- Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Cookies
3. Plan Your Workouts Ahead of Time
When you already have it planned, you’re not scrambling to find the workout. If you’re visiting family over the holidays, you may find yourself with minimal space and no equipment — but you can still do bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks.
You can also sign up for our workout fitness app where workouts are available at your finger tips. And remember, don’t get sucked into the all-or-nothing mentality. Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare while waiting for a casserole to heat up, that’s better than no workout at all!
4. Create Accountability
If you know you have a tendency to skip workouts, create some accountability. Schedule your workout into your calendar as an unmovable appointment. Or join our online fitness community that helps you stay motivated, accountable, and connected to reach your goals.
5. Savour Your Favourites
At holiday celebrations, give yourself some wiggle room to enjoy your favourite foods so you don’t feel deprived. Just focus on balance as you’re loading up your plate. Have lots of different colors and vegetables, have some whole grains and protein sources, and just make sure to have all the puzzle pieces on the plate.
6. Be Picky About Your Seconds
Before you reach for seconds, check in with your hunger and fullness levels. Give yourself some time to connect with people, chat, and ask yourself: “Am I hungry, or am I satisfied?” Remember, skipping seconds today means you’ll have leftovers to enjoy tomorrow.
7. Stay Hydrated
Whether you’re cooking over a hot stove, power-shopping for presents, or sipping wine in front of the fireplace, it can be easy to forget about hydration over the holidays. Make sure to drink water throughout the day, before a big meal, and between each alcoholic beverage.
8. Get Active With Your Family
Around the holidays, it’s time to play. Find a field, kick a ball around, throw a football, just move! Spending time outside is a great way to stay active and interact with others. After the big meal, consider a family walk around the neighborhood if the weather is nice.
Or try a family physical fitness challenge for some friendly competition. See who can do the most push-ups, hold the longest wall sit, or maintain the longest plank.
9. Keep it in Perspective
A healthy lifestyle is all about the long game. You’re not going to ruin your long-term goals if you end up eating too much at a family dinner or watching football on the couch instead of playing a pick-up game outside. Consider it a rest day, and get back into your usual routine tomorrow. You might even feel stronger after a break.
10. Focus on Connecting
One of the joys of holidays is spending time with those we love. Whether you’re eating with people or getting together over Zoom, be mindful of the power of social connection. So whatever your plans are this year, focus on the mental health benefits of sharing that connection — because that’s what the season is all about.
11. Practice Mindful Eating
Being more mindful about eating habits can be a game-changer, especially during the holidays. It’s not just about what we eat, but how we eat. When enjoying your holiday meals, slow down and savour each bite. Put your fork down between bites, chew slowly, and really taste your food.
This mindful approach helps you tune into your body’s hunger and fullness cues, which can prevent overeating. Plus, it allows you to fully appreciate and enjoy those special holiday treats without guilt. It’s about quality over quantity.
Try to eat without distractions when possible. Focusing on your food can help you eat less and enjoy more. By eating mindfully, you’re not just nourishing your body, but you’re also fully present in the moment, enhancing your overall holiday experience.
Remember, the holidays are about joy, connection, and celebration. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the festivities while still maintaining your health and fitness goals. Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season!
