It’s the most wonderful time of the year; however, your diet may disagree. From turkey to pumpkin pie to the endless Christmas cookies, the holidays are full of opportunities to push your healthy eating to the side and overindulge. It requires a strategy to navigate the party landmines and keep your healthy diet intact. To help you survive the seasonal parties and maintain your healthy lifestyle, here are 10 tips to still celebrate the holidays with good cheer.
1. I'm Dreaming of Healthy Veggie Trays
2. Don't Get too Jolly with the Alcoholic Beverages
Although we all love the eggnog, be sure to not make the delicious yet dangerous drink your bestie this season. Alcohol not only allows the calories to add up more easily, but it also lowers your inhibitions so you will be more likely to throw that whole health thing out the window and be less careful about what you are indulging in at the party. Be sure to enjoy yourself, but also be mindful of what and how much you are allowing yourself to consume.
3. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Christmas is the season of first snowfalls, hot chocolate, and of course, building snowmen! Get outside and enjoy the new seasonal weather. This allows you to enjoy being active and spend less time away from all the Christmas cookie baking you could be doing inside.
4. He Sees You When You're Sleeping
An important part to any healthy lifestyle is sleep. By getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, you will feel more rested and energized to take on the day ahead. With this energy you will be more conscious of your health habits, exercise more and ultimately more successful in your holiday health challenge.
5. Light Up the Night With Your Own Dish
Preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating not only for yourself, but also for your friends and family as well. This will provide you with the opportunity stick to your healthy eating plan at the party and ensure that you stay on track. Plus, you can flaunt your great cooking skills and brag about how healthy you are!
6. Avoid the Appetizers or Get Nuttin' For Christmas
Appetizers often leads to mindless eating which can easily add up. By snacking prior to the party and avoiding the appetizer trays full of cheese, meat, and endless snacks, you can avoid the often unhealthy small bites that can ultimately ruin your diet and your appetite for the rest of the evening.
7. All I Want For Christmas Is a New Workout
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Between all of the Christmas parties, drinks, and sweet treats, there is no way to avoid the holiday bulge without regular exercise. Decrease all of that holiday shopping stress and be sure to exercise at least four times a week. Bored of the same old routine? Change things up with a new Christmast-themed workout to keep things exciting and in the holiday spirit!
8. Skipping Meals Will Put You on the Naughty List
It is super important to consume three meals a day to ensure that you keep your hunger at bay. It actually takes less calories to prevent hunger than it does to deal with it once it occurs. By starving yourself all day before a party, you will end up over-indulging and ultimately consuming more calories that you intended. So be sure to eat and snack regularly and keep that metabolism steady and stable.
9. Twelve Days of Hydration
Water is the magic wand of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Whether extra energy for your new holiday workouts or less calorie consumption because you feel fuller, water is as magical as Santa. In case you did drink too much eggnog last night or if you are feeling a little extra tired, be sure to drink lots of water and watch your health transform.
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Most importantly, be sure enjoy the holiday season and treats. Everything works in moderation, and a slice of pumpkin pie or a glass of champagne isn't going to kill your health game. Work out in the morning, drink your water, eat your veggies, and have some candy from that gingerbread house to celebrate.
Ultimately, be aware of what you are putting in your body. Indulge every once in a while and celebrate the season with your family and friends. Focus on having a happy and healthy holiday, and you will definitely be on Santa's Nice list.
