It’s the Holiday Season, a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, the 12 days of Christmas aren’t always the most healthy ones. If you have been working hard this year on those fitness and health goals, don’t let these last weeks get to your gut! Follow a few of these tips for keeping things under control this holiday season:
Know ahead of time the what, where, and when of what you are eating. This way you won’t have to scramble for last minute options, which often means forsaking health for quick and easy.
Baked goods and decadent treats may make fabulous holiday gifts, but don’t add extra temptation for yourself. Seal, wrap, or get them out of your sight as fast as possible. And if you can’t resist the temptation to keep half for yourself, choose a heart friendlier alternative to bake or give.
However tedious it might seem to track down every piece of food or drink, simply being aware of exactly the number of calories or fat grams going into your body might be enough to keep you from consuming more.
Keep your favorite healthy travel snacks with you at all times. Things that don’t have to be refrigerated like nuts, apples, rice cakes, peanut butter, or even healthy cookies and bars are ideal for keeping in your car, at the office, or even stuffing in your purse. For example, trying these easy to make Peanut Butter Protein cookies.
Unlike some of the common protein sources such as chicken, steak, eggs, protein powder won’t spoil if not eaten right away. Don’t leave home without throwing a scoop or 2 of Superfood Protein into your shaker bottle and taking with you on the go. This way if you find yourself in a bind and can’t get to your planned meal, all you have to do is add water and shake!
If you are planning on going to holiday parties remember the temptations that might you know will await you in those calorie rich appetizers, casseroles, desserts, and cookies. Leave less room for indulgence by filling up on something healthy beforehand – eating something high in fiber like a protein smoothie with help ward off hunger.
No matter how much the host or hostess of the party might insist, you do not need to take home a dish for later. There might be alot of delicious leftovers and treats that you’d love to snack on later, but you don’t need that temptation when you’ve already done so well!
In case you do find yourself resorting to one of those last minute fast food or convenient options, pay attention to nutritional info. Most places and packaging list the contents so you can at least choose something that is closest to ideal.
Not just a tip for the holidays, staying hydrated is important all year long for maintaining healthy bodily functions.. Sipping on water throughout the day might have you taking inconvenient bathroom breaks, but at least it won’t leave your throat dry and parched, which means that you’ve already become dehydrated.
It might not be as easy to stick to your routine as usual, but that doesn’t mean you have skip your daily exercise sessions altogether. If a holiday party or shopping session is scheduled during your evening workout, plan your exercises for the morning. If you are traveling or on the road, pack your sneakers for an outdoor workout or a quick jog.
In addition to making yourself really hungry and overeating at the next meal, skipping meals continuously can be damaging to your metabolism. If you are going to skip a meal, don’t leave home in the morning with just a cup of coffee. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and while a fancy cup of coffee might have enough calories, it is not a meal! Check out this quick and tasty breakfast recipe
Follow some of these healthy tips to stay on track during this busy time of the year, but don’t let them give you a headache. If you find yourself overindulging here or there a bit, or forgetting to pack your snacks, or even too tired to hit the gym, don’t become stressed about it to the point where you aren’t enjoying yourself. The tips are meant to help you manage through the holidays, not to make yourself miserable!
Charles Weller
Author