We all seem to have a love-hate relationship with the holiday season. We look forward to what this time of year brings – celebrations, good cheer and gift giving – but not so much its byproduct of indulging in the tempting food and drinks.
With a plan in place, you can rest easy and actually look forward to this festive time of year AND stay healthy. And we’re here to help!
7 tips to stay healthy during the holidays
1. Fixed fitness schedule. Make it a priority to maintain your normal workout routine amidst the holiday happenings. The endorphins will help keep up your spirits during this often stressful season, and you’ll be thankful for the extra calories you burn. If you don’t have a workout schedule, now is the time to start one. Don’t wait for the new year to kick off a routine.
2. Holiday food journal. Keeping a food journal can be eye opening, especially during this time of the year. By tracking everything you eat and drink, you’ll get a better idea of exactly how much and what you’re consuming. You’ll also feel a little less anxious at the end of the day.
3. BYOD (bring your own dish). Make and bring something healthy to the next holiday party you attend. Contributing to the buffet table is one step towards healthy holiday eating for everyone.
4. Balance indulgences. It’s hard to know when a coworker or client is going to bring in an unexpected treat, like homemade fudge or salted caramels. If you go big in the morning or early afternoon, use restrain in the evening to balance indulgences. And if you know you’re going out to a holiday party, hold off on eating something decadent during the day.
5. Bring back the brown bag. Packing your own lunch helps you shave off extra calories that creep up from holiday grazing. Your body (and your checking account!) will thank you.
6. Snack healthy (and often). Don’t let yourself get so hungry that you’ll eat the first thing you see. By keeping healthy snacks close at hand, such as whole almonds, cut vegetables or an apple, when hunger strikes you’ll be happy to have eaten something healthy. It’s also helpful to have a healthy snack BEFORE you go to a holiday party. You’ll be less likely to overindulge.
7. Holiday hydration. Be sure to stay hydrated. This helps keep your metabolism in check and rids the body from toxins. Fill up on water, tea and other low-sugar beverages.
Keeping employees healthy and happy
Employers – you can help too! Consider setting up a healthy holiday challenges and rewarding employees for sticking with their exercise routine or sharing healthy holiday recipes.
Have a tip we missed? Share it below in the comments!
