The holidays are a time for family, friends, and festive cheer. However, they can also be a time when our healthy habits fall by the wayside. If you’re trying to maintain or lose weight, the temptation to indulge in rich holiday foods can be tough to resist.
The good news is that it is possible to enjoy the holidays without derailing your health and wellness goals. With a little planning and effort, you can stay on track and enjoy all the holiday festivities without ruining your hard-earned progress.
Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals during the holidays:
Come to holiday parties prepared.
Don’t go to holiday parties starving. Eat a healthy snack before you go so you don’t overeat when you get there. Try enjoying the company instead of stuffing your mouth with holiday candy! It might be worth it to get to catch up with your friends and family more!
Make the right choices.
Fill up your plate with mostly healthy options. Load up on vegetables and fruits, choose lean protein sources and stay away from the Christmas candy! As tempting as they may look, you’ll only derail your progress even more if you indulge.
Don’t overindulge.
Avoid tempting holiday sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, allow yourself a small portion of your favorite dessert just to satisfy your cravings.
Get active.
Go for a walk after that over-serving of thanksgiving turkey to re-introduce your body to your fitness routine. It can be tough to find time to exercise when you're busy with holiday festivities. But it's important to make time for physical activity. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can help you stay fit and healthy.