The holiday season is a time for friends, family, and of course, food. It's easy to let your healthy habits slip during this time of year, but it's important to remember that the holidays don't have to be an all-or-nothing affair.
Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of taking care of our bodies. Eating healthy can help to keep us healthy by providing our bodies with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Eating for a healthy lifestyle can even reduce the risk of developing illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and other chronic
diseases. Not only that, but incorporating healthy eating habits can also improve how we feel both inside and out - it provides energy to get things done each day and gives our skin and hair a natural healthy glow!
Eating healthy over the holidays also helps with weight management; by eating smaller portions more often, you are less likely to overeat or snack between meals. The best way to stay healthy is through a combination of proper nutrition, regular physical activity and mental wellness habits.
With a little bit of planning and some willpower, you can enjoy all the holiday festivities while still sticking to a healthy lifestyle. Here are eight tips on how to do just that:
Plan ahead:
One of the best ways to stick to a healthy lifestyle during the holidays is to plan ahead. Make a list of all the holiday parties and events you'll be attending and look up the menu in advance. That way, you can make smart choices about what you'll eat and avoid any surprises.
Bring your own food:
If you're going to be attending a potluck or holiday party where you don't know what will be served, bring along a healthy dish of your own. That way, you'll know there's at least one healthy option available.
Limit your alcohol consumption:
Alcohol is full of empty calories that can quickly add up. If you're going to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and make sure to drink plenty of water as well.
Watch your portion sizes:
It's easy to overeat during the holidays, especially when there are so many delicious things available. Be mindful of your portion sizes and take smaller helpings of the foods you really love.
Make time for exercise:
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be tough to find time for exercise. But even just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help offset some of the extra calories you'll be consuming. So try to fit in a workout whenever you can.
Get enough sleep:
Sleep is important for overall health and wellness, but it's also crucial for weight control. When you're sleep-deprived, you're more likely to make poor food choices and less likely to have the energy to work out. So make sure you're getting enough rest this holiday season.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water is always important, but it's especially crucial during the holidays when we tend to indulge more than usual. Aim for eight glasses of water per day, and sip on water throughout the day even when you're not thirsty.
Avoid trigger foods:
We all have those foods that we can't resist, no matter how hard we try. If there are certain foods that derail your healthy eating habits, do your best to avoid them altogether or limit yourself to just one serving.
Thankfully, it is possible to enjoy all the holiday festivities without completely throwing your healthy habits out the window. By following these eight tips, you can stick to a healthy lifestyle and still have a great time this holiday season.