The holidays are in full swing! Tis’ the season for family gatherings, festive food, and holiday parties. While this time of year is fun, prioritizing your health during the holidays can feel like a juggling act. Schedules are packed, to-do lists are long, and temptations are everywhere.
But it is possible to enjoy the holidays without letting it take a toll on your health. All it takes is a little know-how and planning. Here are 10 tips to help you make this a healthy and happy holiday season.
1 – Move your body
The hustle and bustle of the holidays make it tough to fit in exercise. Between shopping, travel, holiday events, and family get-togethers, time is scarce. Sticking to your usual exercise routine isn’t always doable this time of year. And that’s okay!
If you can’t head to the gym, try a workout app, take a walk, or fit in a short YouTube routine when you can. Moving your body improves your immunity, boosts your mood, and helps you burn off holiday stress. So remember: some exercise is better than none!
Look for opportunities to get your family moving together. Have a dance party in the kitchen, go for a bike ride after a meal, or play a game of tag football. You’ll get your heart rate up and create cherished memories.
2 – Everything in moderation
Following rigid rules this time of year can make you feel deprived. It’s okay to indulge in your favorite holiday foods. Just don’t go overboard. Do it mindfully – and in moderation.
One easy way to do this is to follow the 80/20 or 90/10 rule. That means eating healthy 80% to 90% of the time and giving yourself some wiggle room for 20 to 10% of your diet.
Crowd out indulgent holiday foods with nutritious options you enjoy. Taking this approach will help you stay on track with your health without feeling left out.
3 – Practice mindful eating
It takes your brain about 20 minutes to tell you’re full. Slowing down and eating mindfully gives your body time to get the signal.
So how do you eat mindfully? When you eat that forkful of mashed potatoes or slice of apple pie, savor it. Engage your five senses and notice the subtle nuances of flavors. Chew your food well and appreciate each bite. This will enhance your eating experience and prevent overeating.
Aim to eat until you’re 80% full to give your body time to catch up with your stomach. If you feel hungry later, you can always go back for seconds.
4 – Fill up on veggies
Vegetables are nutrient-dense and low in calories. But they’re also high in fiber, which fills you up to prevent overeating. Try to fill half your plate with veggies at holiday meals – and eat them first.
This takes the edge off your appetite, so you don’t overdo it on more indulgent foods later. And when you’re at holiday parties, visit the veggie tray before you head for desserts.
5 – Try a healthy alternative
One simple way to health up your holidays is to try healthier versions of your favorite foods. Thanks to the internet, you can find healthy holiday swaps for just about any food! Often, they’re just as tasty – or even better – than the traditional recipes.
Here’s a list of healthy holiday recipes to try:
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes
- Vegan mushroom gravy
- Healthy cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato casserole with pecans
- Healthy green bean casserole
- Paleo pumpkin pie
- Air fryer latkes
- Almond flour sugar cookies
- Vegan egg nog
6 – Eat before you go
Ever skipped a meal to “save up” for festivities later in the day? If you have, you know this usually backfires. Skipping meals throws off your blood sugar, leaving you ravenous and more likely to overeat.
So if you head to a holiday gathering, don’t go on an empty tank. Eat a nutritious snack or small meal beforehand to keep your blood sugar steady. That way, you’ll be less likely to get “hangry” and cave into cravings.
Protein and healthy fats sustain you longer than carbs, so be sure to include them. Snack on an apple with almond butter or have a protein smoothie before you head out the door. Keep healthy snacks on hand for holiday shopping and errands too!
7 – Bring a healthy dish
Headed to a holiday party and worried there won’t be any healthy options? Then bring one! Check with the host and offer to bring a healthy dish to share. That way you know there will be at least one nutritious choice there. Most hosts will gladly welcome an extra salad, side dish, or healthy dessert.
8 – Support your immune system
The holiday season overlaps with the cold and flu season. To keep germs at bay, wash your hands often with soap and water. And avoid sharing utensils or sipping on the same glass at holiday gatherings.
What you put on your plate also has a huge impact on your immunity. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and veggies to flood your body with nutrients. This will help bolster your immunity, so you’re less likely to get sick. Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet like salmon, olive oil, berries, broccoli, and avocados. And add immune-boosting spices to your foods like garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
9 – Take time for self-care
While the holidays can be joyful, they can also be stressful. Making time for self-care can help you manage the holiday madness with more ease.
Try to set aside some time every day just for YOU – even if it’s just 5-10 minutes! Do something that helps you relax, unwind, or just plain makes you happy. Whether that’s going for a walk, sipping a cup of tea, taking a bath, or doing a meditation, give yourself time to recharge.
10 – Get plenty of sleep
Between parties, travel, and family visits, sleep is often pushed to the back burner this time of year. But sticking to a regular sleep schedule is one of the best ways to keep your health on track over the holidays.
Lack of sleep weakens your immune system, disrupts your metabolism, and increases the stress hormone cortisol. To avoid this, aim for at least 7-8 hours of shut-eye every night. This will help to keep your body and mind strong as we head into the new year.
Stay Healthy Over the Holidays With A Holistic Doctor in Orland Park, IL
I hope these tips help you have a joyful and healthy holiday season! Prevention truly is the best medicine. Eating healthy, staying active, and prioritizing sleep will help you stay strong as we enter the new year.
Remember, the holidays come once a year. So if you overindulge or miss some workouts – give yourself grace. And if you live in the Chicago area and could use some support maneuvering the holiday madness, Anchored in Health is here to help. You can schedule an appointment by clicking here!
Other Services Offered with Anchored in Health
At Anchored in Health, we offer a variety of holistic health services to help you ease holiday stress and support your health. This includes massage therapy, chiropractic care, functional medicine, and acupuncture. We also offer thermography, genetic testing, and the Shape ReClaimed program.
Contact us to find out how we can help you make this your healthiest holiday season yet! Book your appointment here.