Practicing healthy habits during holidays might not look like they mix, right? With plenty of family gatherings and enjoyment, our diet and workout plans often fall apart. Holidays bring lots of tempting treats, and you do not want to miss out on them!
However, keeping your good habits alive during holidays is easier if you get ready. Determine what might ruin your good habits, and learn how to get ready for those moments to help you stay healthy during the holidays.
It is absolutely fine to unwind and take a breather on holidays or whenever you require a pause. If you want to stick to your established plan, here are some key pointers to guide you to stay committed.
1. Plan Ahead
Getting ready in advance is the first step in maintaining your fitness and nutrition objectives. Here are some ideas for things you can plan ahead to stay on course:
- Create a schedule for your activities – Dedicate a recovery week in your workout routine—either schedule a break or include lighter exercises like body weight or resistance band workouts.
- Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods – Start with nutritious foods that satisfy you before big meals, helping you stick to your healthy eating plan.
- Do Not Skip Meals – It is easy to forget to eat, especially during holidays. However, missing meals can cause low blood sugar, leading to strong hunger, stress, and sleep issues. Eat regularly throughout the day.
- Plan Your Meals – Start with fruits and veggies, then add whole grains and lean protein. This ensures you do not forget these wholesome foods.
2. Eat Mindfully
Holidays often turn into food-eating contests. Before loading your plate, think about how much you can comfortably eat. Choose delicious, healthy food in reasonable portions. Stop when you are full.
Outside of parties, opt for healthier foods. Enjoy more fruits and veggies during regular meals, so you can indulge in tasty desserts at gatherings.
Avoiding unhealthy foods prevents weight gain. Overeating, especially unhealthy stuff, harms your digestion and can lead to obesity. You might need to visit a weight loss clinic in Toronto.
3. Consume Alcohol in Moderation
Whether you are at an office party or spending time with family, people tend to drink more alcohol during the holidays. This is not good since drinking not only leads to health problems, like heart disease but also increases the risk of accidents when people drink and drive.
Here’s how you can control your alcohol intake during this season:
- Plan ahead and decide how much you will drink before you go to an event.
- Switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Take your time to enjoy your drinks instead of drinking them quickly.
- Eat before you begin to consume alcoholic drinks.
4. Stay Active
Staying in good shape during the holiday period might be tough, but staying physically active is vital. Engage in aerobic pursuits such as ice skating or sledding with loved ones during the winter season. If you prefer staying indoors where it’s warm, consider activities at a nearby fitness centre, using exercise machines, following workout DVDs, or even jumping rope with your children. Keep yourself in good shape while partaking in the festivities.
5. Get Adequate Rest
Ensuring you get sufficient sleep is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being. When you do not get enough rest, it becomes more challenging to make wise decisions, and your energy levels plummet, making it tough to stay physically active.
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, even during holidays. This will reduce your stress levels and enhance your overall health in various ways.
6. Take a Break to Relax
Let us admit it, holidays can be tough. Setting aside moments for yourself is not selfish. Self-care can help you treat both yourself and others better. It is easier to make wise choices when you are not overwhelmed. Try activities, such as exercising, meditating, taking a warm bath, or getting a massage in Waterloo. You can also reduce gift-giving pressure by doing a white elephant gift exchange or planning a family outing instead.
It is perfectly fine to inform others that you need some personal time. Tell them you will feel much improved after a break to relax and suggest joining a social event when you are back.
7. Do Not Forget to Visit Your Healthcare Provider
Visiting healthcare providers is more important than ever during the holidays. Holiday stress is real. The holidays set off a series of events that impact our ability to process and absorb nourishment, leaving you fatigued and mentally strained. This, in turn, can heighten our stress levels. Stress prompts the discharge of cortisol, which influences various bodily functions. Prolonged elevated cortisol levels can lead to long-term health issues, such as depression and infertility. Couples who find it hard to achieve pregnancy can get helpful information from websites, such as totalwellnesscentre.ca.