Ever feel like you’ve lost the progress you made over the past year in just one holiday season? The lack of routine, overconsumption of unhealthy foods and alcohol, increased stress, perceived weight gain, and guilt are all key reasons people think they’ve lost progress. This all-or-nothing ideal is a negative mentality to have when trying to build a healthy relationship with food and exercise. It’s all about finding the healthy balance that works for you. Listed below are 7 tips to help keep you guilt-free and on track this holiday season.
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1. Stay Active
Staying consistent to your fitness goals and prioritizing some sort of movement every day will not only keep your physique in check, but your mind as well. Pursue your gym goals over this holiday season to boost your mood, reduce stress, keep your digestion and gut health in check, increase your confidence, and improve your mental health.
Travelling and don’t have time or access to equipment for your usual workout? No worries! Something as simple as a 10 minute walk or yoga session can have significant benefits as well! Stay active to feel good, NOT as punishment!
2. Stay Hydrated
Be sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help with digestion, satiety, energy levels, sleep, and to detox the body. Drinking water is a non-negotiable.
3. Prioritize Protein
Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean you should skip the protein and go straight for the cookies. Prioritizing your protein intake is key to ensuring you stay on track to crushing your goals! Protein functions to repair and grow muscle, increase metabolism, control blood sugar levels, and improve cognitive function. It’s essential to prioritize your protein intake! (Plus, if you’re consuming plenty of protein, you’re less likely to overindulge in unhealthy options!)
4. Make Healthy Swaps
While I understand that the recipes used for holiday meals are most likely passed down through generations, why not try making alternative healthier dishes or simply swapping ingredients! Here are a few examples of easy, healthy swaps you can make:
- Greek yogurt for sour cream
- Roast instead of frying
- Olive oil or avocado oil for canola oil
- Incorporate more vegetables in dishes
- Make healthy appetizers
- Dark chocolate for milk chocolate
5. Portion Control
Portion control is key in not overindulging this holiday season. Remember, a normal, everyday meal should be 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. Be conscious of these values when making your dinner plate. It doesn’t have to be exact, but be aware. Try not to go too heavy on the carbs and fats.
6. Slow Down
Slow down and take your time while eating. Eating slowly gives your body adequate time to produce leptin, the satiety hormone. This hormone tells the brain that the stomach is full and reduces the desire to eat. This helps to prevent overeating and the consumption of excess calories.
7. Everything in Moderation
Prioritizing your health and fitness doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself as well. Just don’t overindulge. Listen to your body and stop when you’re full, but still give yourself the grace to enjoy your favorite dishes and desserts. Everything in moderation!
Please don’t forget that the holidays are about family and spending time with loved ones. So try not to get too hung up on calories, and prioritize finding a healthy balance. Eat the cookies, eat the cake, and eat the pie, but don’t feel guilty. Be kind to yourself this holiday season, you deserve it!
Thanks for reading! I hope you find these tips helpful and are able to stay guilt-free this holiday season. Drop your comments, and don’t forget to subscribe below to stay up to date when new posts go live!
