Its that time of year again. Where it gets colder and the sun goes down early. Its easy to get caught up in the warmth of your home and say “Yeah, I’ll just go work out tomorrow”. It also doesn’t help that the holiday season brings not only family and tradition, but also many unhealthy food choices. Here are a few easy tips to help keep you in shape this holiday season!
- Water – You have heard the benefits of water repeatedly, and I’m going to stress it again! Water is a vital part of helping your body maintain a happy balance. It will help to curve your appetite and it also helps bloating. Try and keep a water bottle with you at all times, this will help to remind you. Drink up!
- Make Time for The Gym – Everyone hates leaving their warm house to travel to the gym and go work out. Try to think of strategies of how you can trick yourself into going. I think of different rewards that I can have if I go to the gym. Sometimes its simple things like a small dessert. Try different things and see what works for you. You will thank yourself for going afterwards!
- Buy That Running Jacket You’ve Been Eyeing – You can’t always do this tip but sometimes its nice for an extra push. If you have had your eye on some type of workout apparel, buy it! This is a good motivator to get you to workout. Everyone loves to put use to the new things they bought. So put it in the shopping cart and get to the gym!
- Have a Cup of Hot Tea – Some people during the winter months start to buy hot coffee drinks and other higher calorie beverages. Try swapping those out for a hot cup of tea with honey. This simple switch will lower your calorie intake and will provide you with some beneficial flavonoids for you body.
- Avoid Carbohydrate Overload – It is pretty easy to get excited about all the different food choices at holidays, but be careful! I am not saying you have to avoid every carb at the dinner table but just be conscious of how much your consuming. Sometimes I find myself with a plate of carb’s without even realizing I did it. Be aware, and your body will thank you.
- New Year, New You – Try and keep in mind that the new year is coming up. This will help to remind you that your goal is not just for the week but a lifestyle change. Sometimes keeping things in perspective can motivate you to keep on track.
- Try Something New – Everyone tends to have their traditional dishes that they bring to holiday gatherings, but how about a twist? Try substituting a ingredient in your recipe to a healthier alternative. There are many different things that Greek yogurt can substitute for in recipes. If you can stand the idea of tweaking grandmas old recipe than consider a whole new dish that is healthier and giving it a try. Who knows, you may find a new tradition.
These are just a few tips that can help ease your “staying healthy during the holiday season” woes. Hope it helps!
Happy Holidays. Stay Warm.