The holidays are full of family, friends, great food, and great memories. But they aren’t always compatible with a healthy lifestyle. When the holiday season rolls around, it’s easy to get a little lax on the healthy eating and exercise that we typically maintain. Coupled together, all those festive parties and the stress the holidays can bring, can mean a hit to our overall well-being from November to New Year’s. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Fortunately, with a few tricks, it’s possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle year-round.
Eat Mindfully
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.
Stay Hydrated
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. If you’re consuming alcoholic beverages over the holidays, try alternating with glasses of water in between your cocktails.
Choose Healthy Substitutes
Try to replace sour cream with Greek yogurt in your favorite holiday recipes. Trade mashed potato with mashed sweet potato. And swap heavy dips like blue cheese dip and spinach and artichoke dip with a healthy bean-based dip and homemade hummus.
Reinvent Your Holiday Workout
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.
Boost Your Immune System
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.
Eligible Participants are entitled to 6 nutritionist visits per Plan Year. Click here to search for a provider.
