The holidays can be something to look forward to but it can also be a time to dread as well. When living a healthy lifestyle, the holidays can be our worst enemy. All the parties with delicious unhealthy food and drinks. For most of us, there are at least 3 or more parties or family gatherings to attend during the holiday season.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we can gain 10 pounds without ever realizing it. And once that has happened, it’s easy to fall off the healthy wagon all together. If you struggle with this problem, you’re not the only one. Last year, I thought #yolo I eat healthy all year round, I’m going to enjoy all the holiday food this year and then it seemed like it took me months to get back on track. Well, that’s not going to happen this year.
I have come up with a few healthy tips that will keep you grounded during the holiday season. These tips are for me too because ultimately, we are all working to stay in this healthy life together.
Staying Healthy During the Holidays
1. Keep exercising no matter what
This may seem hard to do during the busy season, but it will pay off. If you have to get up earlier in the morning to fit that workout in, do it. If you have to squeeze a quick exercise class in on the weekend, do it. The more active we stay, the less likely we are to partake in all the unhealthy foods that are presented during the season. This is because we are continually working toward a fit goal. And don’t use the excuse that you can eat whatever you want because you are exercising regularly. We can’t out work a bad diet people!
2. Drink more water
I know, I know, this tip may seem trivial but it works. The more water you drink, the less food you are likely to eat. Oftentimes, dehydration can be mistaken for hunger. Sometimes all we need is a big glass of water. Also, there just something about drinking a lot of water that makes you feel more healthy, which will help you make better choices.
3. Do something for yourself
Implement self-care time. Holidays can be stressful and most of us will eat more food when we are stressed. Do something for yourself. Take a walk, read a book, get a massage or facial, take a bath, whatever helps you relax.
4. Drink warm lemon water every morning
This kind of goes with tip #2 – drink more water but it’s so important I’m going to give it it’s own number. Make sure to drink the warm lemon water before any other drink or meal. Our bodies detox while we sleep and the warm lemon water help continue the detox. It also puts you in a healthier mindset before starting the day. This will help you make better food choices later.
5. Get an accountability partner
I always do better when I am accountable to someone else and you will to. Just make sure your accountability partner is serious about lifting up your healthy choices instead of encouraging you to eat more cake.
6. Make your own dish for the holiday party
If you are planning to attend a holiday party, make a healthy dish ( or a few) you know you will eat. That way, you don’t feel as tempted to eat so much unhealthy food and you don’t eat 3 different kinds of cake. Don’t judge, we’ve all been there.
Hopefully these tips will help you to stay on the healthy train all through the holidays. Don’t let all your hard work come crumbling down in just a few weeks time. Believe in yourself and your willpower.
