5 Ways to Stay Healthy Throughout the Holiday Season
The holiday season is the time we look forward to reconnecting with family and friends. It can also be an opportunity to relax and recoup after a busy year. Problem is, both the reconnecting and recouping tend to be done over hefty holiday spreads, not to mention a cocktail or two. These festivities can mean a healthy diet plan goes by the wayside, the total body workout you’ve been doing so religiously becomes less of a priority, and bad habits start to creep back in. The result: weight gain and larger healthy eating and fitness relationship goals for the new year. To help prevent this scenario, here are five ways to stay on track with women’s fitness and a healthy eating plan, so you can set yourself up for a strong new year! 1
Eat before you go or pack your own.
Traditionally, holiday tables are chocked full of sugar and fat-laden treats. Worse yet, so many of these foods are snacks or hors d‘oeuvres, so you don’t count them into your healthy eating plan like you would meals. To avoid overdoing and veering too far off your healthy diet plan, eat a well-balanced meal or nutritious snack before you go to a holiday party, so hunger isn’t a driving force. Try to eat something high in fibre and protein, like carrots with hummus or a piece of whole grain bread with peanut butter. If you can’t stop at home because of the timing of the event, think ahead and pack a healthy meal to eat right before you go. 2
Avoid mindless eating.
When you’re caught up in the fun, festive atmosphere, it’s easy to graze on the gruyere cubes, spinach and artichoke dip and the cookie tray. Instead, think about what you’re eating and go for snacks that jive with your healthy diet plan. Examples include the veggie tray, salad, grilled chicken skewers, and non-alcoholic, unsweetened drinks. If you want an alcoholic drink, go for a lighter option, like a hard seltzer, red wine, or light beer. 3
Skip the second serving.
If you’re at a holiday party that includes a buffet, try to make only one trip through the line. Not only will sticking with one plate help you stay in line with your healthy diet plan, it will give you more time to mingle and socialize. At the very least, take a break between your first and second servings to give your body time to realize whether or not it’s full.
Drink up.
In the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to forget to drink enough H2O. But staying hydrated is important during the holidays, both for your energy level and your health. Failing to drink enough water as part of a healthy eating plan can lead to mood changes, unclear thinking, headaches, and constipation—not exactly things you want to deal with as you engage in holiday cheer. Some healthy eating tips for drinking more water: carry a refillable water bottle with you and fill it up and drink it throughout the day; choose water over sugary or alcoholic drinks at mealtimes; and add a wedge of lemon or lime to make your water tastier and easier to drink. 4
Keep moving.
Be it fun, the holiday season can be stressful. What better way to stave off holiday stress than by regularly engaging in your women’s fitness plan? In between sending out holiday cards, shopping, and lunches with old friends, make sure to pop into your Curves ladies gym for your 30-minute circuit. If all else fails and you can’t make it for your regular women’s fitness routine, take a walk and check out the holiday decorations in your neighborhood. And keep in mind that December is the perfect month to introduce a friend to your Curves full body workout routine or to get started if you are shopping for a new exercise plan. Kicking off a total body workout before the new year can give you a jump start on new year’s fitness-related plans. A Curves membership makes a wonderful holiday gift for someone else, or for yourself!
It sounds simple, but simply sticking to your healthy eating plan and total body workout can make all the difference when it comes to staving off holiday pounds. You may be busier with shopping, wrapping, and attending holiday parties, but that’s no excuse for letting women’s fitness go to the back burner. Make it a point to get to Curves ladies gym for your total body workout or sign up for MyCurves On Demand 24/7 at-home workouts. Maintaining your healthy diet plan and fitness routine during the holidays can help keep you healthier, which will make for a merry season and happy new year! 5
To find out more about how you can informed lifestyle and health choices, visit our blog under the ‘Live’ category! You can also learn more about how the Curves Circuit can benefit your lifestyle here.
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