21 Nov Tips on Staying Healthy During the Holidays

You’ve worked hard for some time now and the holidays are right around the corner. How do you stay on track? Should you throw in the towel and start again after the holidays are over? No. Even if that feels like the right thing to do, many fitness experts have better advice. Our own expert, Barbara Holden  Fitness Manager at CompleteBody Gym, provided us with several tips for staying healthy during the holidays. It’s easier than you think.

During the holidays we connect with people we may not have seen in a long time. Our spirits are lifted, and it feels good to be with friends and family eating delicious meals and enjoying nights on the town. Staying fit doesn’t require that you skip the holiday season.

Instead, it’s about staying healthy during the holidays with mindful eating, movement when you can, and being present. Your body’s worst enemy sometimes is undue stress, so don’t stress out about the upcoming holidays. Relax into them with confidence – you got this, and you can enjoy your time of joy and fun along with everyone else.

Staying Healthy During the Holidays: Be Intentional

Three Smart Choices for Holiday Eating

1. Use a smaller plate. You will eat less food. Choose foods that are non-processed. If possible go for the salads (simple balsamic vinegar with a splash of olive oil for your dressing), veggies and fruits. Remember the more colorful the better.
2. Stay away from greasy foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats. Stick with good unsaturated fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – these fats lower disease risk. Sources for good fats include olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, and fish.
3. Be mindful. It`s okay if  you are looking at that cookie or cake. Right? Yes, it`s okay to have it. However, be mindful of a small piece and enjoy it. Take the time to digest and not just inhale. The key is not denial or deprivation… it is moderation.

The key is not denial or deprivation… it is moderation.

Fitness Tips for Holiday Drinking

A lot of experts talk about mindful eating and staying healthy during the holidays when it comes to food. But Barbara takes it a step further and talks about the elephant in the room: those holiday drinks!

The holidays are full of opportunities to drink too much.  Stay positive, stay motivated and committed to maintaining your healthy lifestyle… you got this.

Stay positive, stay motivated and committed to maintaining your healthy lifestyle… you got this. – Barbara Holden

Pay attention to balance your alcohol drinking with proper hydration, make sure to keep your water and fluid level up, remember: alcohol will dehydrate you.

Tips for Staying on Your Fitness Plan During the Holidays

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First: stay on the program, choose your food and beverages wisely and pace yourself.

If you find you have eaten a bit too much at the party do not beat yourself up. That is just negative and doesn’t help at all. After all – we are human and it`s ok. However, get up the following morning and head to the gym or go for a run or take brisk walk, take action and get moving. You will feel so much better, I promise.

Enlist your friends – husband, partner, significant other, bestie, etc. – to support you at this holiday time. Remember that’s what friends are for.

When you’re at a party, move from the table and go into another room. It will help a great deal. As a matter of fact, how about invite others at the party to go for a brisk walk or play a game that involves moving? Do something other than just drinking and eating the entire evening and it will be fun too!

Above all. Stay Positive….Stay Focused and keep to your goals. You can do it! This is not about New Year’s resolutions that do not work. It is about consistency, continuity, and a commitment to a healthy, happy you!

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