Happy December!
Since Thanksgiving is over and the holidays are in full swing, I wanted to pop in and share a list of small things you can do this holiday season to make sure you get through it feeling happy and healthy!
I will be the first one to say that I definitely have a sweet tooth and I can’t resist some Christmas cookies or pie, but I try to make sure I enjoy everything in moderation, and balance treats with healthy snacks and exercise. Here are a few tips that I try to keep in mind:
- Be “That Person” at a party
Whenever I attend a holiday party, either with my family or through my work, everyone usually expects that whatever I bring will be the “healthy” dish- even if it looks like a dessert. I’m known for bringing cookies sweetened only with honey, fruit and vegetables, or high protein snacks. When I’m short on time, I will usually stop and pick up a raw fruit or vegetable tray, and when I have more time I usually turn to Pinterest to find a healthy snack to make. This way, I know there will be at least one healthy treat there!
This year, I am planning on making these “Grinch Kabobs” to my work party! How cute are they??
http://faithfullynourished.com/healthy-christmas-treat-grinch-kabob/
- Don’t go to a party hungry!
This one can make such a difference! It seems backwards to eat normally on the day of a holiday party where you know you’ll want to enjoy the food there. I personally know a few people who are guilty of trying to “save up” their calories for the day if they know they have plans that night. However, if you arrive at a party full of drinks, appetizers, and desserts absolutely starving, you certainly won’t be in the right mind set to make healthy choices, and will almost always over-indulge. Take the time to eat a small, protein rich meal or snack before the party, then decide which items are worth the indulgence. Do you really need one of each cookie? Or are there just a few that look extra-good? This helps so much!
Okay- stay with me on this one! I know this is not always easy to do during the busy rush of the season, but studies have shown that getting adequate amounts of sleep can help you to make healthy eating choices and reduce cravings for not so healthy foods. I truly do notice that this happens to me! When I am tired at work, I just want to grab a quick salty snack, and I feel less motivated to make sure I have something healthy. I sometimes notice that I am also hungry more often when I am very tired. Getting the right amount of sleep has so many benefits, this is just an added bonus!
Like sleep, regular exercise has so many benefits. If you have a holiday party in the evening, make it a point to do at least a short workout or something active in the morning. Even if you over-indulge that night, you will feel so much better than if you didn’t do anything active that day! Another great idea is to encourage your family members to get active with you! Celebrate the holidays with a walk or hike, move your holiday celebration to somewhere with ice skating, or give yoga or zumba class certificates as gifts!
My “Good Morning Sunshine” workout is a great one to do at home if you don’t have time to hit the gym before a holiday gathering!
Those are the 4 things that work well for me- What do you do to make sure you’re feeling your best throughout the holidays?
