Healthy Holidays
Ahhhh I love this time of year! This is when I can quote Elf and sing all the Christmas carols without the Pilot rolling his eyes at me. 😉 I love watching Christmas movies with Liv, taking drives to see the holiday lights, the Nutcracker, hot cocoa, holiday decor, everything about Christmastime. It already seems like it’s blitzing past me in my sleep-deprived state, but I’m still going to enjoy it as much as possible, especially since we have a new little family member to introduce to this wonderful season.
During the holidays, in between the hustle and bustle, it can be easier to let your fitness and health goals go by the wayside. In the grand scheme of things, it’s no big deal, but it can make it more challenging to get back in the swing of things come January. Also, I find that when I’m not eating well and fail to move each day, I feel pretty terrible. It’s important to take care of yourself so you have the energy to fully enjoy everything the holidays have to offer. (Ok, and energy to hold your own in the those Black Friday sales haha.)
Here are some of my tips to stick with your goals over the next two months: (after that, it’s WINTER SHAPE UP time! Buckle up, buttercups.)
Healthy Holiday Tips
1) Make a point to move every day. If you know you have a holiday party, extra to-dos and errands, take some time to sweat each day. Not only will this help to keep your metabolism working in full force, but it can also help to make you feel more centered and energized during a busy time of year. Schedule a workout almost every day, whether it’s a class you love, long walk, hot yoga class, strength training session, or gentle stretch. If you’re traveling, I’m a huge fan of online workouts, bodyweight circuits, or these at-home options.
2) Ask yourself if it’s worth it. This is one of my all-time favorite healthy living tips. When I’m greeted by a plate of cookies, if they’re store-bought, I’ll usually skip them. If they’re homemade and look DELICIOUS, I go for it. Usually if something is wrapped in plastic and I’ve had it a thousand times, it’s much easier for me to skip out. If it’s something new and was homemade with love, I usually want to give it a try. Since this is a season that seems to be overflowing with decadent foods and refined sugary treats, it’s easier to sort them out if you take the time to ask yourself if you truly want it. If you go for it, take the time to savor and enjoy.
3) Drink lots of water. Staying properly hydrated can help with so many things, including skin, energy levels, metabolism, and avoiding confusing thirst with hunger. During the colder months, I have a hard time remembering to hydrate since I’m not sweating my face off. Make a conscious note to keep your water bottle with you at all times and drink throughout the day. One of my favorite reminder tricks is in this post.
4) Get some quality zzzz’s. Stay rested and refreshed so you can tackle your workouts, and also so that your stress hormone can stay in check (as cortisol is affected by sleep and can cause us to eat more and potentially hold onto fat).
5) Focus on protein and produce throughout the day. Eat like a PRO and try to have some protein and produce in every meal! I like to accompany rich or heavy meals with a large salad, or serve casserole type dishes atop a bed of greens.
6) Savor the memories. I take time to be mindful around this time of year, maintain a spirit of gratitude, and pay special attention to the details and special moments. The people around you, and love you feel, are what make the season so magical. The food/libations, extra relaxing or time off work, and desserts are just the icing on the cake. 😉
Are you cooking for Thanksgiving? What’s on the menu? I’m about to make an enormous casserole dish of stuffing. I’ll post the recipe on my Instagram page when it’s done!
Have a very happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you know that I’m so thankful for all of you. Thanks for hanging out with me on this little corner of the internets.
I’ll see ya on one of my other favorite holidays: BLACK FRIDAY.
xoxo
G
13 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Counting down till winter shape up!!!
YES to #2! With options everywhere, and dessert being basically my favorite thing ever, it is tough. Such a good idea to pass on the store bought if there is something tasty and homemade instead. I’m with you on taking time to move a little each day, if I don’t, I feel so blehh, and I don’t want to feel that way during such a great time of year :). Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, good thoughts out to you and little P during this tough time.
Such good reminders this time of year Gina! Good luck at the appointment for P and have a very happy Thanksgiving!
My parents are up in New England and currently picking up the pies we’re bringing to my in-laws tomorrow. It’s their turn in our rotation to host Thanksgiving, which I love because it means we all get to be together for the holiday.
Since I’m 34 weeks pregnant (!!!) everyone keeps telling me to “eat for two” for the upcoming holidays. It’s kind of funny because there are definitely days when I barely want to eat for myself. While I’ll certainly indulge in the really great stuff like homemade sweet potatoes with marshmellows, I’d honestly rather not “eat for two” and then gain extra unnecessary weight and feel run down/sleepy all the time. I’d rather eat well, enjoy the good stuff, and be ready for my upcoming “marathon” by continuing walks around the neighborhood, Zumba, and Fitnessista barre & weights circuit workouts. 🙂
These are really great tips, I love #2 as well. It’s like asking yourself if you really want it, what’s the differential to you between a piece of cheesecake and a skinny latte? If it’s big, go for it. I also like to ask myself, what am I really hungry for? A lot of the time during the holidays, it’s just to sit down and have a few minutes to myself…not to eat.
xx Jill
The Ultimate Friendsgiving Guide: Simple Tips
Thanks for the tips!! So many temptations this time of year!! Happy thanksgiving 🙂
I’ve been trying to stay focused on my health and fitness goals this week, almost even more so than the past few weeks because I know I have a habit of letting things slide bit time around the holidays. Some of the big things I’m tracking are my steps with my fitbit and my water intake!
I love #2. It’s so easy to just eat food, especially dessert, that you aren’t the biggest fan of out of obligation. I guess I just feel like I’ll offend someone by not trying food they made! I know that sounds silly though.
Such good points! Keep moving, drink lots of water and eat protein are on the top of my list to stay healthy through this holiday season. I definitely agree that it is so much harder to get back into it if we although ourselves to slack off.
I wish it was Christmastime year round! then again, it’d probably lose its spirit. But I am just like you in the sense that I LOVE this time of year, but I have the feeling of guilt that can sometimes be associated with it. That’s why I have worked so hard to personally combat those fears of anxiety and just stay in the moment. This time of year is about SO much more than calories. It’s about being surrounded by loved ones and being present. <3
I hope you have an incredible Thanksgiving and enjoy your first holiday as a sweet family of four!
Great tips! I’m a big believer in all of them. I def ask myself “is it worth it” before partaking. Store bought goodies rarely pass the test for me either. Have a great Thxgiving!
Happy Black Friday! I love this day, it’s on!!
YESSSS