4 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy and Active Over the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and festivities, it can also be a time of indulgence and inactivity. With all the delicious food, festive drinks, and late nights, it’s easy to let your health and fitness goals slip. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge occasionally, it’s important to maintain a balance. Here are 4 strategies to help you stay healthy and active over the Christmas period, whether you’re travelling, hosting a party, or simply relaxing at home.
Staying Active on Holiday
One of the biggest challenges during the holidays is staying active. Travel can disrupt regular workout routines, making it difficult to maintain a consistent exercise regimen. Luckily, there are many ways to stay active while you’re away. Here are a few tips to set yourself up for success:
- Pack Workout Gear: Bring your workout clothes and resistance bands to your destination. Bands are lightweight making them easy to pack!
- Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the outdoors and go for a walk, bike ride, or enjoy a swim.
- Bodyweight Exercises: You can do effective and challenging workouts using your body weight, such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks. Book a complimentary Personalised Program and get creative ideas from your Personal Trainer! Click here to book in.
Healthy Holiday Eating
Indulging in festive treats is a part of the holiday tradition. However, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet to avoid overeating and unhealthy weight gain. Here are some tips for healthy holiday eating:
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when it comes to higher calorie foods.
- Choose Healthy Options: Opt for healthier alternatives to traditional holiday dishes. For example, instead of mashed potatoes with gravy, choose roasted vegetables.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Drink in moderation and alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
Healthy Holiday Swaps
- Instead of sugary drinks swap for water, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice.
- Instead of fried foods, swap for grilled, baked, or roasted foods.
- Instead of heavy desserts, swap for fresh fruit, yoghurt, or dark chocolate.
- Instead of salty snacks swap for nuts, seeds, or vegetable sticks with hummus.
Managing Stress During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time, with increased social obligations, financial pressures, and family gatherings. Here are some tips for managing stress during the holidays:
- Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or spending time in nature.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t try to do everything. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Limit Social Media: Spending too much time on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress.
By incorporating these tips into your holiday routine, you can maintain your health and wellbeing, even during the busiest time of the year. Remember, it’s all about balance and moderation. Enjoy the holiday season, stay safe, and have a wonderful time with loved ones.