It’s that wonderful time of the year again! As the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations approach, it’s easy to get lost in the festivities and sabotage your health by exercising less and indulging in holiday foods and drinks.
Use these tips to stay healthy and in shape during the holidays:
Eat sensible snacks before big dinners
If you show up at a Christmas dinner with a ravenous appetite, chances are you will end up overeating. Make sure you have a healthy snack beforehand to keep your hunger levels under control and eat reasonably sized portions.
Start holiday meals with healthy food choices
Once you’re at a dinner party, start by eating a salad or mixed vegetables before moving onto the main course. This will help you feel fuller and prevent you from overeating.
Schedule your cheat meals around festive celebrations
Most eating plans allow you to “cheat” once or twice a week. Plan to cheat during holiday gatherings, so you can enjoy your holiday meal without feeling guilty and eat clean for the rest of the week.
Keep exercising
It might seem tempting to slack off from your exercise routine over the holidays, especially when family and friends are visiting, but make it a priority to maintain your fitness routine for guilt-free and more joyful holidays – after all, exercise releases happiness hormones.
Cut back on your food intake before drinking liquid calories
The season calls for nights out and calorie-rich drinks. If you plan to drink alcohol or other calorie-laden drinks, prepare for it by reducing your food intake throughout the day to make up for those extra calories at night.
Stay hydrated
We often confuse hunger with thirst. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day to avoid overeating and help you stay energized. If you plan to drink alcohol, make it a rule to limit your intake and drink one glass of water after each alcoholic beverage.
Don’t exhaust yourself too much
December is the busiest time of the year, and it can be exhausting. When you’re tired, you’re likely to eat poorly and skip workouts. Make sure you finish your Christmas shopping early, sleep for at least eight hours each night, and give yourself at least one afternoon per week off to relax.
Make New Year’s resolutions to take better care of your body and health
The new year offers a new beginning and a chance to build the body you’ve always wanted. Instead of overeating and feeling guilty, focus on setting new goals to become a better version of yourself. It’s never too late to become what you might have been!
