Seven Healthy Holiday Tips
The holidays offer many chances to spend time with friends and family, and change our daily routines. Staying healthy can be more difficult during the holidays due to long hours and events that never end. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season and still achieve your health and nutritional goals.
1. Plan your Holidays in Advance
Plan ahead a strategy for when family members are bringing dishes to a potluck or buffet style meal. Eat a small meal to maintain your blood sugar and eat less at dinner or lunch if the meal is later than usual. Bring a healthy dish to a party so that you can have a meal you are satisfied with.
2. Opt for Homemade Meals
Premade food, like canned or processed foods, is often laden with sugar and salt. It is easy to make your own food from scratch. For example, you can easily stir your own cream of mushroom or cranberry soup before letting it simmer. Cooking is a great way to be more aware of and in control of what you eat.
3. Strategize Your Nutrition Plan
Take supplements such as vitamins based on the nutrition plan you have created. Eat a balanced, healthy snack every 2 to 3 hours. Consume one or two meals that include protein and vegetables. At a holiday buffet, make your plate colorful by adding fruits and vegetables. Also, choose two of your favorite holiday dishes. Slow down, savor the food and listen to your body.
4. Hydrate!
Stay hydrated by finishing a glass of filtered water at each meal and snack. Fill a reusable drinkware or cup and sip while you travel to the house of your family or an event. When you are hosting, make sure you take breaks to drink water and refill your cup when needed.
5. Add Exercise to your Calendar
When planning a family holiday, schedule some time to exercise. Walking outside after eating can help improve digestion. Quiet time can also be beneficial to your mental health.
6. Keep to your sleep schedule
To maintain a consistent sleep schedule and to feel less tempted at night to stay up late, schedule hangouts for earlier in the day. You can feel more energized and refreshed by going to sleep at the same time every night and sleeping for a consistent length of time. You’ll make better choices about your diet and exercise habits when you feel good.
7. You Need to Take Some Time For Yourself
Recharge by spending time with family and friends. Spend at least 5-10 minutes in solitude and quiet each day, instead of attending social events and gatherings. Focus on your breathing and pause to meditate. Take a nap if you need to.