The holiday season can be a tough time to stay on top of your health and fitness goals if that’s what you desire. I am an advocate of enjoying yourself during holidays with family and friends but I do realize that doesn’t always work for everyone and it doesn’t fit into everyone’s choices. If you are looking to keep yourself somewhat accountable to your health and fitness goals check out these 7 tips below.
If There’s Something You Want Don’t Avoid it Completely
One of the biggest things that people often do during the holidays is try to avoid those foods they have deemed as “off limits”. I will make this argument at any time, not just during the holiday season, but if there is something that you want don’t completely avoid it. When it comes to nutrition and healthy eating I believe that no foods should ever be off limits. Food is meant to be enjoyed and is the centre of social occasions and the holiday season is full of so much good food. Enjoy it, even if you take just a small portion of it, you will thank yourself later for enjoying that little bit of whatever your favourite foods are without any guilt!
Keep your Workouts Short and Simple
The holiday season often comes with travelling, running around, social commitments and more. If you are planning on continuing your workouts throughout the holiday season (and I think you should) keep them short and simple. Keep equipment to a minimum and aim for 20-30 minutes of simple movement. This may include just an after dinner walk or a quick living room circuit. However you can keep moving, but don’t be hard on yourself about how you are moving.
Involve Family
Get the family involved. Take the after dinner walk, get outside and try those outdoor activities like sledding or skating. Choose active activities that keep you moving while still allowing you to spend time with your family as well. This kills two birds with one stone…you get your movement and activity in and you get to spend time with the important people in your life…win-win.
Put it on a Plate
Instead of standing around the table and nibbling on things put your food on a plate. I know my family always has tons of finger foods and appetizers before dinners and it’s very easy to stand around the table and continue to eat. If you put what you’re eating on a plate you will be more aware of how much you are eating. Portion sizes can be a great way to enjoy the food around you during the holiday season while still maintaining those health and fitness goals but it’s difficult to be aware of portion sizes if you aren’t putting your food on a plate.
Try to Include a Vegetable
One of the simplest and easiest things you can do during the holiday season is to make sure you include a vegetable on your plate. Sometimes I know during the holiday season there are so many other foods you want to put on your plate that the vegetables get a little neglected. Try to make sure you put that vegetable on your plate instead of skipping out on it.
Eat Slowly
Take a breath and take your time when you’re eating. With the conversation and social aspect of holidays this is often a bit easier to do at this time a year. Engage in the conversation and put your utensils down when you’re speaking or in between bites. Typically eating slowly can help you to feel your hunger and fullness cues sooner and may prevent you from overeating. Take your time when your eating and slow it down during those holiday meals…after all we aren’t typically in a rush with these meals!
Give Yourself a Break
Remember to give yourself a break over the holiday season. It’s important not to be hard on ourselves during the holiday season. Being able to enjoy food and time with family and friends is also an important part of your overall health and wellness. Remind yourself of this during the holiday season, especially this year as new COVID restrictions come back into place heading into the holiday season here in Ontario. Focus on enjoying the time with those that you hold dearest to you and enjoy your holiday season!
There you have it. 7 tips that can help you maintain your health and fitness goals over the holidays. Remember that is completely acceptable to let these rules slide a bit over the holidays and enjoy yourself instead of being hard on yourself.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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