‘Tis the season, indeed! But it doesn’t have to mean piling on extra holiday pounds. The coming months are packed with distractions—school events, holiday parties, family visits, and endless errands—all squeezed into a short period. It’s easy for your routine to slip. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try these simple strategies to stay healthy and active during the holidays, no matter how busy life gets. If you’re planning a staycation or vacation in Houston, check out our blog, “Houston Holidays 2024,” for walking workout ideas and fun activities to enjoy in and around the city.
How Can You Celebrate Healthy Holidays?
Plan Ahead for Success
The holiday season often brings an unpredictable schedule, making it easy to fall out of your fitness routine. One way to prevent this is by planning ahead. Look at your calendar each week and find pockets of time to fit in workouts or prepare healthy meals. Even if you know certain days will be busier, having a game plan can help you stay consistent. Prepping meals in advance is another great strategy—cook larger portions of healthy dishes and store them for easy access, so you aren’t tempted to grab high-calorie, convenience foods in a hurry.
Short Workouts for Busy Days
Don’t worry about spending a full hour at the gym. During this time of year, time is in short supply, and finding a whole hour can feel impossible. Instead, aim for a quick 10-minute workout, see this one created for busy parents. Whether it’s a short run, a fast circuit on gym machines, or even having some fun outdoors with your dog, these brief activities can help you stay active. While getting your heart rate up is ideal, remember—something is always better than nothing! A few short workouts a week can help maintain your fitness and prevent weight gain during the holiday rush.
Control Portions, Not Fun
Weight management often boils down to portion control, and the holidays can make that challenging. It’s easy to overindulge while celebrating with family, friends, and colleagues. To help combat those extra calories, take a 10-minute walk after each meal. This could be a quick stroll around the block after breakfast, a walk around the office during lunch, or a relaxing family walk after dinner. These short walks aid digestion, reduce cholesterol, and help manage your weight. A total of 30 minutes of low-intensity activity spread throughout the day can make a big difference.
Hydrate and Rest
With holiday parties and celebrations, it’s easy to forget the basics: drinking enough water and getting adequate rest. Staying hydrated not only boosts your energy levels but can also help curb overeating, as dehydration is often mistaken for hunger. Keep a water bottle handy, and make sure you’re sipping throughout the day. Additionally, prioritize sleep. The holidays can be stressful, and lack of sleep can lead to poor food choices, reduced willpower, and slower metabolism. Make it a goal to get at least 7–8 hours of rest each night to keep your body and mind in peak condition.
Find Accountability and Support
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be tough to stay consistent. Find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable, whether it’s a friend to join you at the gym or a trainer who will keep you on track. Don’t work out alone, support makes it easier to prevent bad habits from creeping in. Even if you can only make it to the gym once or twice a week, be sure to prioritize yourself. Enjoy the holidays, spend time with loved ones, and indulge a little—just balance it out with some “me time” and healthy choices.
Here’s to Your Healthy Holidays!
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