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Healthy During the Holidays

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Towson chapter.

With Thanksgiving only days away followed by Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years, there are definitely going to be some extra tasty treats and a few home cooked feasts while celebrating the holidays. As an avid health nut myself, I can assure you that everybody deserves a special treat here and there. And while there are always healthier options and ways to moderate the amount of treats that you consume, I feel that one of the best ways to counter act holiday weight gain is staying active and mindful throughout the year, especially during the holidays. If you want to enjoy the holidays and feel good please pay attention to these easy tips that I am going to provide just for you!

Make sure you keep your plate balanced.

One of the ways that you can rebound after a holiday feast is to be mindful BEFORE the feast. Yes, I said before you indulge in that comfort food that many of us long for all year round.  I know for myself, when it comes to exercising and eating healthy, I always feel so much better physically and mentally when I stick with a consistent schedule. If you maintain an active healthy lifestyle every day you are much more likely to handle the holidays in a balanced way. 

There are always going to be articles and shows on how to burn off your huge holiday feast. However, handling your holiday meal as any other meal is one of the key ways to keep you in check. I find it helpful to fill your plate with as many veggies as you can and eat them first. This way you will fill up more on healthy foods before everything else. I also find it really helpful and fun to bring something to the table that I have prepared. For example, my grandparents don’t always keep in mind that healthy foods should be incorporated. Don’t get me wrong, their food is delicious, but several times I have brought steamed veggies, fruit salad, or a salad that everybody is able to enjoy as well as getting a bit of healthy nutrients. 

I personally am very interested in health and fitness and it has become very easy and comfortable for me to control my eating and savor the treats that I do want to indulge in. I also don’t believe in cutting anything out of your holiday diet. If you really love those creamy mashed potatoes, don’t skip out on them because you don’t want to ruin your healthier holiday diet. Just simply take a serving of it, enjoy, and move on with your life. The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, so just stay mindful and aware of what you are putting in your body and you will be sure to have a fantastic, healthy, and happy holiday no matter where you are! Keep in mind that the healthier you live throughout the year, the easier and better off you will be before and after those holiday meals. Enjoy and cheers to the beginning of the holiday season!