Staying in shape during the holiday season is one of the hardest tasks for those on a fitness journey. With so many more sweets, fatty foods, and sugary and alcoholic beverages available, it can be hard to stick to a strict diet and continue working towards your long-term fitness and health goals.
Sticking to those goals aren’t as difficult as you may think it is. Following these few helpful tips, you can keep working towards your fitness and health goals, even through the holidays.
1. Allow Yourself to Indulge in Food because you aren’t eating the healthiest foods during the holidays, doesn’t mean you have to be hard on yourself about it. One of the biggest things that many people struggle with is the post-holiday eating guilt. Once they indulge in these foods they are so hard on themselves about it, making it even more difficult for them to stay on track. They’ll continue eating badly because they feel like they can’t come back from it. Allowing yourself to enjoy and indulge in your favorite holiday foods allows you to not deprive yourself of your cravings.
2. Don't Have an All or Nothing Attitude
Some people tend to think that during the holidays they have to be all in or none at all when it comes to eating unhealthy foods and that’s not the case. You can indulge yourself in your favorite holiday treats and foods while maintaining a balanced diet. Don’t tell yourself you’ll just go on a diet after the holidays, this mentality leads to overeating during the holidays. Instead, allow yourself to splurge on a few of your favorite items.
3. Eat Healthy When You Can
If you’re going to a restaurant with relatives or friends coming in town, stick to the healthier options. You don’t need to eat unhealthy when there are healthy options available for you to enjoy. You can always indulge in the restaurants more fattening and calorie heavy meals at other times of the year. Save your unhealthy meals for holiday meals, not just a restaurant that you’re at around the holidays.
4. Be Mindful of How Much & What you are Eating
This is something that we all need to be conscious of. We tend to pile food on our plates in hopes of eating it all and not realizing it’s too much until after we’ve finished it. Put smaller portions on your plate, in order to avoid overeating. Make sure that the foods that are on your plate are all ones you truly enjoy and don’t forget your vegetables! Just because it’s the holiday, doesn’t mean you should cut them out entirely. Having vegetables on your plate can help balance your meal a little bit and give you important nutrients.
5. Eat Slow
Many studies have shown that eating slowly allows your body to consume fewer calories. It takes our brain twenty minutes to realize we are full, so eating slowly allows your body time to actually process its needs are satisfied. Eating slowly also allows you to actually taste and savor all the flavors that are in the dishes that you’re eating. This makes actually indulging in these foods so much more special.
6. Plan Out Times For Physical Exercise
This is one of the hardest things to do during the holidays. Many gyms have alternate hours or are closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Go on a family walk after your holiday dinner as long as the weather is nice. If the weather isn’t as nice, play a game of Charades or Twister, these games are ones that get your body moving and blood flowing. You can also do home workouts! In today’s world, there are so many different ways for you to exercise at home, whether it’s a youtube video like this 15-minute full body workout from Betty Rocker or a workout app.
Staying healthy and on track doesn’t have to be impossible this holiday season. Following these simple tips can help you remain on the right track towards your fitness and health goals through the holidays. Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and family!
Call Us -- Tel: 1-(833)-665-(BODY)2639
Happy Holidays From Our Family at Total Body Aesthetic to Yours! 🎄