How To Stay On Track With Your Health Goals During The Holiday Season Pt. 2
Written By: Kaylie Ricks
If you’re anything like us, you may be reeling from the holiday season and longing for laid-back summer days! Between work, errands, cooking dinner, going to holiday parties and hosting them, life can definitely feel a bit jam-packed. With all of these to dos, healthy habits can begin to fall by the wayside - convenient fast food can replace home cooked meals and warming up with blankets in front of the TV may feel more comforting than exercise. As fitness instructors, we use several tactics to help our clients (and ourselves!) stay on track.
Follow these tips to keep your life simple and healthy!
Drink up
People often mistake thirst for hunger, prompting them to overeat. Keep seltzer, unsweetened iced tea or water with lemon in the fridge. The next time you want a nosh between meals, drink a glass first and see what happens.
Sneak in exercise
If it feels like too much of a task to get to the gym each day, sneak in exercise wherever you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work or push your kids on the swings for an arm workout. Even if you walk around the neighborhood for 15 minutes, it counts. Just get moving!
Bite into some energy
You might be tempted by a sugary candy bar from the office vending machine to perk you up, but a healthy, balanced snack will keep you on your toes much longer. Make sure your snack has a quality, high-fiber carbohydrate, like fresh fruit, oatmeal or whole-grain bread, for long lasting energy. Plus, throw in a lean protein, such as a hardboiled egg or Greek yogurt to help you feel satisfied. The two will work together to keep your energy up and your desire to visit the snack machine down.
Prep your breakfast at night
If hurrying out the door without breakfast has become a common trend, there is an easy solution for you: simply prep it at night. Measure your cereal into a bowl so you can just add milk in the morning, or prepare your oatmeal in the evening so all you have to do is heat it up in the morning. We're also a huge fan of overnight oats! Time savers like these can actually help prevent you from gaining weight. By not skipping breakfast you won’t overeat later in the day when you’re feeling ravenous.
Sleep tight
Sleep deprivation slows your metabolism down and negatively affects your immune system. When you’re busy that’s the last thing you need. Set yourself a bedtime that’s eight hours before you have to wake up and start getting ready for bed 30 minutes prior to that. The last step is tough, but don’t bring your phone or computer to bed with you. Instead, pick up a book to help you relax and drift off to sleep.
The holidays are meant for indulging, laughing with friends and family, making memories, and cheering your accomplishments over champagne, all while maintaining the healthy habits that make you feel your best. We're wishing you a new year full of health and happiness!
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