For many Brenau students, the semester is the first time in months where quality, home-cooked food is available all the time. Combine that with the loads of holiday goodies that will come your way, it’s incredibly easy to overeat. It is, however, also easy to stay healthy during the holiday break. If you’re New Year’s resolution is to get in shape and eat healthier, get a head start on it. Forming healthy habits during the holiday break will help you stick to your New Year’s resolution.
Aim to eat three meals a day.
People who skip meals are more likely to binge eat during the day. This is especially important to remember on the day of a dinner or a party. Skipping meals will not only leave you grumpy, but you will likely gorge yourself on food.
Eat before you shop.
We all grocery shopping on an empty stomach can lead to buying much more food than we need to, but shopping for anything can also has some negative side effects. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently concluded that under fueled shoppers spend 64% more than those who shop with a full stomach. Furthermore, if you hit up the mall on an empty stomach, you may end up eating a greasy, fatty meal from the food court.
Be sure to drink non-alcoholic and low-calorie beverages at dinners and parties.
Whether you’re offered mulled cider or eggnog (or if you just sit at home and drink wine), calories from alcohol add up. In between drinks, opt for healthier options, ideally water.
Be smart about what you put on your plate.
Start with small serving sizes. You can always go back for seconds. Cut back on the trimmings. Be modest when adding all the gravy, sauces, and butter.
Maintain a regular sleep pattern
Pretty much everyone is going to be paying off the sleep debt we’ve accumulated over the past several months, but it’s still important to keep a regular sleep pattern throughout the break. Just because you don’t need to wake up early for an 8 am class doesn’t mean you should be staying up until the wee hours of the morning night after night. According to a study conducted by the Society for Neuroscience, constantly disrupting your sleep/ wake patterns can lead to anxiety, mood changes, and impaired judgment and thinking. Long-term side effects include weight gain, insulin resistance, and heart disease. The National Sleep Foundation recommends young adults between the ages of 18-25 need at least 7-9 hours of sleep.
Stay Fit
Most of us don’t have a free fitness center within walking distance available, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do your daily workout. Exercise is also a great natural remedy for season affective disorder (SAD), according to the Mayo Clinic. Tone It Up and Blogilates offer hundreds of workout videos ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. If you’re going out of town, bring a yoga mat or a beach towel to provide a barrier between you and any potential nasty floors. Taking brisk walks outside will expose to fresh air and sunlight, both of which can improve any winter blues you may have. Ask your family members or friends from back home to join in on your walks or exercise routines. The University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine conducted a study and found that people who exercise with a partner are more successful in losing weight and sticking to a workout regime than those who work out solo. It can also be good way to catch up
But above all…
Eating is a human experience, and all these dinners and parties aren’t just free meals—they’re a time to catch up with friends and family. Strive to be healthy, but don’t feel guilty about eating too many Christmas cookies. Enjoy all the free time and free food that will come your way this holiday season.