Between work parties, kids’ parties, holiday preparations, and family gatherings, the holiday season can be the busiest time of the whole year. Even if you have maintained healthy routines all year, it can be challenging at this time, especially with all the delicious foods everywhere. You don’t have to deprive yourself to stay on track. Here are 7 ways to keep up your healthy routines during the holidays.
1. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
It’s easy to judge ourselves when we eat more delicious treats than we had planned, but shame isn’t good for you and it certainly won’t help you in the next tempting situation. Food is food and calories are calories. Do not fall into the toxic thinking that there is good and bad food. Some of it is, of course, more nourishing for your body while some of it might just be nourishing for your soul, and your soul deserves nourishment, too. If you do not like the food choices you make today, you can make different ones tomorrow.
2. Drink Plenty of Water.
Of course, we need the extra hydration at this time of year with the cold, dry air. Water also helps us digest our food and makes us feel fuller. Sometimes, when you’re at a party, you (or your host) might feel like you need to always have a drink in your hand. Sparkling water between each higher-calorie beverage will help you stay hydrated and lower your alcohol consumption if you’re imbibing. If you’re not sure if your host will have any sparkling water (or other low-calorie hydrating beverage), bring some along.
3. Communicate
Communicate and ask for help, especially among family. If you’re trying to maintain an exercise routine, but you have a lot of family time coming up, enlist an exercise buddy to help motivate you. If your family only makes decadent food and lots of it, bring the vegetable tray and ask someone to help remind you to eat your vegetables and hydrate. You probably have at least one family member who will thank you for encouraging them, too.
4. Prioritize your Mental Health
Scheduling time every day for meditation, journaling, a walk in nature, or some rejuvenating alone time will not only help you feel better and make the decisions you want for yourself, but it will also make you more able to participate in social activities. If you have to be around a person you find difficult this holiday season, make a plan for keeping your interactions civil and enlist a friend or family member to help you out. One difficult person should not have the power to ruin your holiday celebrations.
5. Exercise Early
During the holiday season,
our days tend to be filled with responsibilities and obligations. Taking time
first thing in the morning to prioritize your health will set you up to feel
good all day long.
6. Start With A Healthy Breakfast
Start your day off with a healthy breakfast. It is easy to write the whole season off as one big indulgence festival, but that can lead to feeling more tired and enjoying your holiday events less. If you start off with a breakfast filled with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, you will regulate your blood sugars better and be less tempted every time you walk past the staff treats table or the piles of desserts at a social event.
7. Bring Healthy Food
If you are going to a potluck, bring a healthy dish you enjoy eating. Then, you are guaranteed to have at least one thing you want to eat. If you have a day filled with running errands or shopping, bring healthy snacks along so that you aren’t forced to choose a fast-food option that will leave you feeling sluggish. Superberries Aroniaberry Chews are a healthier snack to have on hand. They are delicious and high in antioxidants and other nutrients. They are an ideal treat to keep you fueled during your holiday rush.
This season is a time for enjoyment. If you
have specific goals for yourself, you don’t have to totally toss them out to
have fun at this time of year. Making a few strategic choices each day can help
you maintain your routines. No matter what, though, please show yourself as
much love as you do to others.
