Healthy Holiday Tips
Although there are many holiday favorites, trying to stay healthy from November to New Year’s is not one of ours. From higher stress levels to lack of sleep, extra calories that lead to weight gain to missed workouts, it can be a challenge living a healthy lifestyle the last few months of the year. The good news is you can have your holiday fun without sacrificing your health with a few tweaks and tips.
Modify favorite holiday recipes
One of the reasons the holidays are so memorable is that you might only indulge in some of your favorite recipes during this time of year. These recipes are usually higher in calories and less healthy for you than your everyday fare. But by tweaking ingredients with healthier alternatives, such as swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream, you can lower your calorie intake but still enjoy.
Enjoy your favorites (not everyone else’s)
While tweaking ingredients in recipes to make them healthier works for some of our favorite holiday treats, some recipes are best unaltered. It’s okay to enjoy your Aunt Maude’s spectacular date pinwheel cookie that you only get once a year but be intentional about what treats you’re willing to enjoy this season. Just because other treats are available, it’s not worth sacrificing your health to try each one. Be selective and your health will be better in the new year.
Moderation and portion control
Consider sampling holiday desserts and enjoying smaller portions of beloved dishes to allow your taste buds to be satiated but not go overboard with calories. Focus on eating well 80 to 90 percent of the time by selecting fruits and vegetables, broth-based soups, and lean proteins.
Stay hydrated
Another key to staying healthy during the holidays is to stay hydrated. Water is the way to go every day of the year, but don’t let your hydration needs lapse during the holidays. Take a refillable water bottle with you when you’re shopping, traveling, and enjoying holiday attractions. Drinking water will also minimize your desire for other unhealthy holiday beverages.
Keep moving
It’s a very busy time of the year and your normal workout routine might get sidelined as a result. Even if you can’t keep your commitment to a daily two-hour run, try to incorporate movement into pockets of time during your day. Park further away from the store, use stairs instead of escalators, break up gift wrapping with pushups or jumping jacks.
Don’t sacrifice sleep
We understand holiday gatherings, visiting relatives, or sleeping in unfamiliar beds, and the frenzy to fit it all in to make the “perfect” holiday can wreak havoc on your sleep routine. While you might not have the best sleep of your life from November to January, focus on doing what you can to ensure your body and mind get the rest they need for you to enjoy this time of year. Consider noise-canceling earphones, an eye mask, and meditation to help you sleep soundly when you do get to bed. And don’t underestimate the power of a quick 20-minute rest in the middle of the day. This can help you rejuvenate under holiday pressure.
Wash hands diligently
Since you might be out and about more than typical, take special care to wash your hands frequently to rid yourself of germs that abound in public places. When your body is worn out, it’s more susceptible to falling ill when germs attack. Wash those germs down the drain with frequent hand washing and don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
Mindful moments
Take a deep breath and be sure to enjoy the moments. Whether you’re sitting down to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast or enjoying the flicker of the menorah candle or Christmas tree lights, being present is one of the best presents you can give yourself this holiday season.
Take time for you
Although these months are a season of giving to others, be sure to include yourself on the list. Each day do something that brings you joy. Your list of daily “me” gifts don’t have to cost a thing, and don't need to take a lot of time or energy. They just need to make you smile. Take a moment now to write down some ideas of things that make you smile whether that’s soaking in a bathtub, listening to holiday music, or watching your favorite holiday movie.
Although the holidays aren’t always congruent with a healthy lifestyle, they don’t have to be completely unhealthy. Do what you can to maintain your routines and follow some of the healthy holiday tips we shared with you. When you’re ready, we invite you to learn more about Taylor Pilates and Fitness. Please give us a call or text at 303-472-6743 to learn about our Oov classes and how Pilates and functional fitness sessions can help keep you moving and feeling well during the holidays and into the new year.