staying healthy during the holidays
the end of the year is always such a great time because of all the fun the holiday season has to bring. it can also be very challenging when you have been working hard to maintain a healthier lifestyle and are constantly facing challenges when trying to figure out how to stay on track but also enjoy such a great time of the year simultaneously. indulging in all of the delicious christmas treats and hanging out at holiday parties can make it easy to feel guilty for having less discipline with the habits you’ve been creating. trust me, i get it, and it is 100% okay. the good thing about making becoming healthy a lifestyle rather than a fad is that enjoying yourself and living in the moment won’t deter you from all the progress you have made so far. it’s all about the balanced baby.
its normal to feel like everything is a bit crazy during this time of the year. its the holidays! its meant for fun and creating memories with the people you love. enjoy the feeling. staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard, here are some helpful tips.
#1 be mindful when eating – holiday foods are so tempting it’s hard to stop eating, even when you’re already full. i’m pretty sure being too full is one of the most uncomfortable feelings thats basically an instant regret every time. telling yourself that its okay to not eat something simply because it is openly available is a great way to practice mindfully eating. always remember that by choosing to stop eating before you’re super full will help your body digest faster, giving you more room for seconds!
#2 move your body – because of the frequent travel and holiday events to attend, you may be tired more than usual so you seem to keep neglecting the gym. i find its always easier to focus on getting some type of movement (regardless of what it is), rather than beating yourself up for not making it to the gym in the mornings like you usually do. use this as a time to switch up your routine a bit and try something different like stretching, zumba, or pilates. this is a great way to try something new and still stay active without feeling the pressure of needing to stick to your typical gym schedule.
#3 don’t forget your water – its easy to become dehydrated during the holidays because your lifestyle can be busier and more stressful. stay hydrated. the importance of this cannot be emphasized enough because drinking plenty of water is very good for your overall health and will help you control the urge to indulge in things you do not need.
#4 meal prep – has anyone else felt like cooking has been such a hassle these past few weeks, or is it just me? finding the time to constantly make dinner has become the biggest nightmare that luckily, meal prepping is starting to fix. i don’t usually meal prep as much as i have been lately because i tent to enjoy finding the time to cook for dinner, but since i’ve been so active this holiday season, i find meal prepping has been the answer to being able to maintain the same balanced diet i had before (even when i don’t have the most time in the world).
#5 take your vitamins – germs are at an all time high right now so it’s important that your immune systems is strong and you are continuously remembering to wash your hands. ask your doctor about getting the flu shot and buckle down on making sure you are taking your daily vitamins and probiotics.
#6 prioritize your mental health – its okay to feel like your aren’t as on track as you are during the other 10 months of the year. a break is good! the feeling of guilt can be strong during the holiday so its important to keep your mental health in tact and so. that you are able to focus on the joys of life. make time for your family and friends as you bring in a new year filled with new opportunities and blessings.
