Even with Halloween and Thanksgiving under our belt (literally Halloween Candy and Thanksgiving Dinner on our hips) the holiday season will only be picking up speed as we enter December. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones and creating memories for years after. However, with all of the holiday parties, events and conversations, it can be easy to overindulge on tasty treats. Check out these 5 tips to stay healthy during the holiday season!
1. Exercise!
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy during the fall season. Try to incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Instead of taking the elevator to the fourth floor of your apartment, try taking the stairs instead. Add in a morning and evening walk with a friend instead of sitting on the couch and watching TV. The best way to make exercise fun is to grab a friend or family member and get moving together!
2. Skip the Holiday Latte.
We all love our morning lattes and they taste even better with a splash of whipped cream. However, these holiday drinks are packed with calories and sugar, and lack the fiber you need to stay full all morning long. If you’re really craving that holiday drink at Starbucks, try sharing it with a friend or simply cut it to one drink a week. You’ll save money and calories!
3. Portion Control.
We’ve all heard about portion control before, but it always isn’t the easiest thing to do. Instead of stressing at a holiday party about how much to eat, simply fill up a plate with a small amount of all the foods you would like to eat and get a variety. You’ll feel like you ate plenty, enjoy your meal and practice portion control.
4. Make it Yourself!
A great way to know exactly what you are eating is to make it yourself! Volunteer to make an appetizer or dessert and research healthy spins on that food. This way, you’ll know all of the ingredients that are going into the meal/dish and you’ll be able to cut down on the fats and sugars. You’ll be surprised at how many healthy recipes there are for the holidays, give it a go!
5. Don’t Stress.
Staying healthy during the holidays isn’t about just about what you’re eating or how much you weigh, it’s about your health; mental and physical. Don’t stress if you overindulged on dessert or a snack, the holidays only come once a year and it’s not the time to worry. Incorporating a few of these tips is so you can feel good and energized during the holidays. Be present in the moment and engage in the conversations and laughter around you. Enjoy your family and friends and stay stress free!
Happy Holidays!