Top 10 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season
It’s no surprise that it can be challenging to make healthy choices surrounding food and fitness during all of the family gatherings, “friendsgivings”, and office parties in November and December. At Power Train, we believe the key to continuing to meet your goals during the holidays is to stay moving, focus on the quality time with loved ones, and not to restrict but to enjoy foods and treats this time of year has to offer. Here are Power Train’s top tips to making healthy choices and staying on track with goals during the holiday season:
1 Don’t deprive yourself.
Mashed potatoes, homemade pumpkin pie, and Christmas cookies… all wonderful foods of the holidays. The last thing you want to do is deprive yourself, which will most likely lead to over consuming and missing out on the joy of sharing these seasonal staples with family and friends. Enjoy your favorite treats in moderation and you’ll leave your holiday get together feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
2 Workout in the morning.
Start your day off on the right foot! You are more likely to make better food choices when you start your day with the exercise your body needs. Maybe it’s a walk or jog outside, or an at-home Power Train workout with your family and friends. Power Train has tons of options HERE on our new YouTube channel!
3 Don’t go on an empty tank.
Make sure to eat breakfast, lunch, or a small snack before. You don’t need to restrict yourself before a large meal. The last thing you want to do is arrive starving (and hangry) to a holiday meal or party. This extreme hunger will only lead to overeating.
4 Bring a healthy option.
There will be tons of delicious holiday treats that you should enjoy, but you can always offer up a healthier alternative to fill your plate with. You probably won’t be the only person in your family or friend group who wants to have a nutritious option to snack on. Check out these fun, healthy recipes below:
- Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries
- Superfood Chocolate Bark
- Caramelized Onion Dip
- Brussel Sprouts with Bread Crumbs & Sage
5 Fill up on protein and veggies.
Of course you can and should have the stuffing and dinner rolls, but fill up on protein and veggies first to feel better and stronger. Center your meals around healthy sources of lean protein and vegetables. This will help you feel energized throughout your holiday and leaves less room for heavy carbohydrates.
6 Put it on a plate.
Make it a point to put any food you’re going to eat on a plate to avoid overeating and grazing at buffets and parties. Placing your food on a plate makes you realize how much you are eating. Take the time to sit down and enjoy your meal!
7 Get competitive.
Organize a game of soccer, football, or volleyball with your family and friends. A friendly competition is a great way to have fun and get moving after a holiday meal (avoiding the dreaded food coma).
8 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
This is probably the easiest tip to implement this holiday season. Whether you’re drinking alcohol or not, hydration is key. Keep a reusable bottle with you to sip on water throughout the day to stay energized and help differentiate hunger and thirst cues. Throw some frozen fruit or mint in your H20 to add natural flavor!
9 Go for a walk.
Grab your family and go for a pre or post meal walk around the neighborhood. The benefits of this include but are not limited to time in nature, exercise, and quality conversation with loved ones.
10 Focus on the time with the people around you.
Holidays are often centered around food and drinks. This year, really make it a point to focus on enjoying the people you’re with, having meaningful conversations, and creating new memories.
Click HERE to head over to our YouTube channel for at-home workouts to take with you wherever you travel during the holidays this year – and don’t forget to subscribe!
