5 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy Over Christmas
"I’ll get back on track in January.”
You may be familiar with this commonly repeated line when you fall off the health and fitness wagon during the holidays.
The period between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a minefield of food, festivities, and alcohol that can take you off your regular course.
My top tips to help you stay healthy over Christmas.
Make smart food choices
You’ll have many obligations over the holiday period, but overeating at every single party or gathering isn’t one of them.
“Have a snack an hour or so beforehand so you don’t show up starving! “When you’re hungry you tend to make poor food decisions. So have a healthy snack, learn turkey will do!
I highly recommend filling half of your plate with vegetables every time.
Stay hydrated
So the facts are drinking water is a healthy strategy for your life lol! It’s recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
“Without decent hydration, we often feel hungry, sluggish, and tired,” This can cause us to miss workouts, snack on unhealthy foods, and reach for excess caffeine. Thirst pains is exactly the same feeling as hunger pains fyi!
Your goal, every time you reach for a snack, should be to drink a glass of water first.”
It’s also good practice to set limits on alcoholic beverages. “Limit your intake of empty calories like alcohol, which is pure sugar and has no nutritional value. Just drink smart.
Get a good night’s sleep
A restful night’s sleep doesn’t just feel fabulous. It sets you up for success.
“Sufficient sleep is essential for good mood, good health, and good outlook — exactly what you want during the holidays!
Keep in mind that consistency is key, so try your best to maintain your regular bed and wake times, even on holiday season.
Maintaining a relaxing bedtime ritual can help with that. It can “help transition your mind and body from wake to sleep by having a nice morning/evening routine or ritual.
No matter how busy you are, don’t stay up later or wake up earlier in order to get more done, you’re better off getting all of your sleep at night. A well-rested person gets more done and does it better than a sleep-deprived person.” Sleep smart, work smarter!
Think outside the gym
The nearest treadmill may be miles from where you are. So, if you’re on a regularly scheduled fitness routine, you’ll need to get creative.
That could translate to squeezing in walks after big meals or calisthenics in the kitchen.
Incorporate bodyweight movements such as squats, lunges, shoulder taps, and burpees, and take your fitness to your home with you!
Happy Holidays! & Stay Healthy Over Christmas - Gemma
Related post: Importance of Physical Activity for Fitness and Well-Being