Staying Fit and Healthy Over the Holidays

From Thanksgiving through the end of the year, it’s easy to overindulge in all the candies, cookies, and other holiday foods that show up everywhere from neighborhood parties and to work and church functions. And it’s even easier still to make excuses for not working out or sticking to your fitness plan when you're running all those extra errands and handling holiday obligations that pull you in dozens of directions. So, it’s no shocker when the new year rolls around and you're feeling defeated, bloated, and generally out of shape. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Read on for ways to transform your yuletide plans to incorporate your fitness goals.

Prioritize Your Workout

Schedule your workout time just as you would schedule your Christmas shopping trip to the mall. You’re busy all season long, so inking in a time on your calendar for your workouts makes a lot of sense and helps you balance what you need to do with what you want to do.

Think Outside the Box

If you don’t have time to work out as much as you usually do due to all of the holiday hoopla, then think outside the proverbial box to at least stay more active. Force yourself to add steps to your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking as far as you can from your workplace. Don some comfy winter attire and take your dog for an extra walk around the neighborhood to take in the lights.

Buddy Up

The problem of losing sight of fitness goals during the holidays is not unique to you. Discuss it with other friends and find a fitness buddy. This can help both of you to stay motivated during the “most wonderful time of the year” for diet and fitness failure.

Stave Off Feelings of Deprivation

It’s easy to feel deprived if you are constantly seeing your friends wolfing down your favorite holiday treats, whether it’s eggnog at the office get-together or a chunk of Aunt Mary’s famous fudge. Allow yourself a sensible portion of the treats you like most. Total abstinence of holiday goodies may backfire and result in you overindulging.

Stay Hydrated

All that running around shopping and merrymaking can take a toll on the body. Be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of pure, clean H20 to keep yourself feeling your best all holiday season.

Reward Yourself

Challenge yourself to stick to your goals, and plan a reward for your efforts and successes. Setting goals for the holiday season can help you to feel accountable for your actions, and intrinsic rewards can be a big motivator.

Be Kind

‘Tis the season of perpetual hope and kindness, so remember to also be kind to yourself. Everyone messes up and no one is infallible when it comes to following a healthy eating plan and working towards fitness goals. If you stray from your plan, forgive yourself quickly and move on—giving yourself the greatest gift of all—self-love.