8 Tips for Staying Healthy over the Holidays

Holiday season is officially among us which means Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, holiday parties and events, treats delivered to your door and so much more! It’s easy to get swept up in the joy of it all while pushing your health to the wayside. We tend to think that we can start over in the new year with a new resolution to get healthy, start a new fitness program and get our lives together! Instead of getting worse, let’s get better now. Let’s choose not to over indulge and keep ourselves in check. Use these tips for staying healthy over the holidays this year!

Tips to Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

Remember that moderation is key.

First and foremost, during the holiday season, it’s important to remember that moderation is key! You’ve probably heard it time and time again, but it’s the truth. No need to cut specific things out of your diet to help keep your waistline trimmed during the holidays. Instead practice moderation. Focus on not eating too much overall as well as too much of one specific food group.

Mix healthy snacks in with tasty treats.

Speaking of not having too much of one food group, mix it up! Don’t just snack on the tasty chips, dips and desserts at parties and gatherings. Be sure to add some fruits, veggies and proteins to your plate. Color is key, so try to get as many colors as you can on your plate.

Don’t skip meals!

One big problem that people face during the holidays is skipping meals! Don’t skip lunch because you know you’ll eat a ton at dinnertime. Instead have a small meal or snack, something healthy. Think lean protein and a veggie side, some nuts and fruit or a small salad! This will curb your appetite with good healthy calories and not leave you starving and stuffing your face when the big meal or party arrives.

Be aware of liquid calories.

Liquid calories can be a killer that people don’t often think about. I’m not just talking about over indulging on delicious adult beverages at your friend’s holiday party (But do be aware of that too!). I’m also talking about holiday coffees, ciders and other drinks that can be total calorie bombs. Instead of ordering a pumpkin spice latte or peppermint mocha, alter the order to have non-fat or almond milk. less pumps of the sugary flavor they add and no or light whip cream. For example, I get an almond milk PSL with only 2 pumps of pumpkin spice and no whip cream. It cuts close to 100 calories and tons of sugar!

Bring a healthy option.

Set a good example and bring a healthy or healthier option to your next gathering. Bring something homemade because it will have less preservatives! If it’s a dessert party, find a healthier version of your favorite recipe. Here are a few that I love:

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Fudgy Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

If you don’t need to bring a dessert, be the one to bring a veggie tray, veggie based dip, fruit salad or chocolate hummus and apple slipes! There are tons of healthier options that you can find on Pinterest and your friends, family and coworkers are sure to love.

Don’t stand right next to the snack table.

The more distance you put between yourself and the snacks, the less you’ll think about them. So don’t loiter around the kitchen, instead kick back and talk to friends on the couch or in a different room. When you do get hungry, put what you want on a plate and take it away. This way you realize how much you’re eating and don’t over do it.

Continue with or start a new workout routine.

The holiday season is the perfect time to start a new workout program. Better yet, if you already have something solid, continue it! Don’t put off working out until the new year. It’s proven that starting in the last few months of the year will help you to continue with a program into the new year and not quit!

If you’re looking for some free workouts, check out any these from my workout gallery! Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:

• Spell Your Name Workout
• Summertime Arm Workout (Not just for summer anymore!)
• Lower Body Bootie Burn
• 15 Minute Bodyweight Circuit

You can also follow along on my Instagram account and do my Wednesday workout of the week! Each Wednesday I post a new workout video along with instructions for you to do at home!

Breathe away stress and keep it at bay.

Stress is incredibly prevalent during the holidays. There is so much going on, so much to do and the craze of the season is contagious. It can be contagious in a good way or a bad way.

Remember to focus on self care and reign in your stress. Take a moment to sit back and breath. Soak up a moment of silence. Practice yoga, pilates, meditation or some sort of mind body exercise/stretching to focus on your well being. Take a bath or write in a gratitude journal. Remember why this season is beautiful and try not to stress about all your have to do.

Also remember that you can say NO. Stress and mental illness during the holidays can be overwhelming, and sometimes you have to say no and take care of you!

Remember what the season is all about.

This season isn’t about over indulging, overspending and over stressing. It’s about coming together as family and friends, spending time together and loving one another. It’s about remembering that we’re celebrating all we are thankful for and the birth of our savior.

Don’t forget to pin this to your health or fitness boards on Pinterest as a helpful reminder!

What other tips do you have to stay healthy over the holidays?

Are there any on this list that you want to focus on this year?

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