There’s lots to love about the holiday season. Preparing – and eating – large, elaborate meals and desserts, mingling with the holiday crowds, and spending time with friends and loved ones are just a few of the festivities that make the holidays so great. Â
Of course, the same things that make the holidays so enjoyable can also get in the way of your health. So how do you stay healthy during the holidays?Â
In this blog post, we are going to share with you some tips on staying healthy during the year-end holiday period.Â
Table of contents
1. Select your food wiselyÂ
When you’re eating, sit back and allow yourself to truly enjoy your favorite holiday flavors. Pay attention to the taste, aroma and texture of the foods. Â
“When the attention shifts from your body, redirect it back to your internal fullness and satisfaction cues,” says Alissa Rumsey, a New York-based dietitian, nutrition therapist and owner of Alissa Rumsey Nutrition and Wellness. Â
Since it takes a few minutes for your stomach’s “I’m full signal” to reach your brain, it’s advisable to take a 10-minute break after your first helping, suggests Patrick Skerrett in a Harvard Health Blog article. Â
“You might realize you are full or want only a small portion of seconds,” explains the author. Other than that, don’t attend a party on an empty stomach as it makes you prone to overeating. Â
As for the dessert, eat only one or two dishes you really love instead of sampling each and every option available on the table.Â
2. Remain hydratedÂ
“Water accounts for 60% of our body’s total weight and we need to stay hydrated in order to maintain this ratio. Water is also necessary for several bodily functions, including maintaining our cell’s fluids and delivering nutrients,” notes Rumsey. Â
Drink plain or infused H2O as often as you can throughout the day. Limit your intake of high-calorie drinks like eggnog, martinis and margaritas. Â
“If you’re consuming alcoholic beverages over the holidays, try alternating with glasses of water in between your cocktails. Your body will thank you the next morning!” says the nutrition expert.Â
3. Revamp your holiday workoutÂ
It might be a bit challenging to make time for a sweat sesh when your social calendar and to-do lists are jam-packed. In order to stay motivated, plan your workout regimen around your holiday schedule. Instead of the usual 30-minute routine, do a 15-minute workout in the morning and evening or go for a 10-minute walk twice daily. The aim is to split your physical activity into smaller, more manageable time intervals. If you don’t have time to hit the gym, workout in the comfort of your home with the help of online tutorials and fitness apps like Carrot Fit and Fitocracy.Â
4. Enhance your immune systemÂ
“Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is one of the best things you can do to bolster your immune system. This will ensure you’re getting some top immune-boosting nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin A,” says national nutrition and weight loss expert, Samantha Cassetty. Eating a handful of nuts and seeds daily is also a great way to fight illness as they contain immune-boosting minerals such as zinc and selenium, she adds. Lastly, ” don’t forget to stay hydrated and get proper rest – lack of sleep can weaken your immune system,” notes Rumsey.Â
5. Relax and get a good night’s sleepÂ
Don’t let the holiday madness take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Whether you’re caught up in cooking, holiday shopping or socializing, don’t put your needs on the back burner. Take some time off to relax and unwind – go for a walk, meditate, watch your favorite movie or read a good book, do at least one thing every day that makes you truly happy. In addition, get adequate sleep. “Shortchanging your sleep can alter your hormone levels in a way that encourages weight gain and cravings for less healthy food. Try to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep on most nights,” suggests Cassetty.Â
And lastly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Happy Holidays!Â