50 Genius Ways to Stay Healthy All December Long

Ditch the stress, keep the fitness. Your calendar's packed, but we've got more ideas than December has days to help you keep a clear head.

6 min

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By Kristina Lauer
November 30, 2021

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When December comes around, do you spend more time focused on Christmas shopping and end-of-year stress rather than your workouts and self-care rituals? Don’t worry, there’s always a way to do something for your well-being, no matter how busy your schedule is. Curious? Our tips will help you find balance and have a happy, healthy December.

This year’s going to be different. You’ve already made it a point not to let yourself get stressed out right before the holidays, and to follow through with your workout routine, eat a balanced diet, and finally finish that book you started – but something always comes up and keeps you from enjoying your well-deserved time off?

We’ve come up with 50 simple tricks to help you get through December healthy and balanced. Yes, that’s right! A whole 50 tips! You’re practically guaranteed to find something that resonates with you. Have fun trying them out!

#1 Take a daily walk and feel invigorated by the fresh air. In winter, most of us spend a lot more time indoors. Yet wintry weather can be beautiful, so bundle up and head out for a walk.

#2 Christmas time is cookie time! Try our sugar-free baking recipes like these low-carb cookies.

#3 Replace mulled wine with a fruity punch or cocoa every now and then.

#4 Not a fan of punch and cocoa? Try one of our alcohol-free winter drinks, which are not only healthy and delicious, but also keep you nice and warm.

#5 You are what you eat. Vegetables and fruit that are in season are not only particularly tasty, but can also be purchased from a local grower. Better for both you and the environment! What’s in season in December? You might try to stock up on kale, mushrooms, parsnips, or beets.

#6 Enjoy a warm breakfast with different oatmeal variations. Rich spreads like our Protein Cream make great toppings.

#7 Feeling chilly outside? With our free workouts you can still work up a sweat – and you don’t even have to leave home.

#8 Rest is just as important as your workout. Take a hot shower or bath to relax.

#9 Balance is key! Don’t be too hard on yourself. Treat yourself to something sweet every now and then when you feel like it.

#10 Even though we’re spending much more time at home now, try to use downtime for your well-being and not for a Netflix marathon. Relax with a face mask, a good book, or a cup of tea.

#11 Try a new sport to keep yourself feeling motivated and excited. Here’s 33 to start with… and just keep going from there!

#12 Overindulged in sweets? Don’t skip meals to try to compensate. Instead, move on by just getting back into your normal eating rhythm.

#13 Now is your chance to try a winter sport like ice skating!

#14 Don’t give up your routines just because the holidays are coming up. Used to working out three times a week? Keep it up! Even if you don’t have time to go to the gym right now, a short and sweet home workout always works!

#15 Do your Christmas shopping on time to avoid the last-minute panic. Short on ideas for Christmas gifts? How about a delicious jar of Nuts?

#16 Feeling exhausted when the days are so short? Turn up your favorite (holiday) songs and dance away the tiredness!

#17 Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Just 10 minutes of morning exercise will wake you up and get your circulation going.

#18 All types of movement are small steps to an active lifestyle! Try to be more active in everyday life and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

#19 No stairs nearby? Get off the train or bus one stop earlier and walk the rest.

#20 The year is coming to an end. Perfect time to rid yourself of things you don’t need. Take the first step by cleaning out your stuff and consider donating gently-used items.

#21 Feeling a little tense and need a balance to the holiday stress? How about some yoga to get your mind and body in balance? Never tried yoga before? Don’t worry, here are some tips for beginners.

#22 Feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list lately? Think about three things you’re grateful for every night and write them down. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your perspective.

#23 Use cinnamon in cooking and baking! The spice adds a touch of winter cheer to your meals and is great for you. Click here for our favorite cinnamon-infused recipe, Baked Apple with Cinnamon Sauce.

#24 Can’t get enough cinnamon? Toss a pinch into your next Whey Protein! It tastes next-level good with Vanilla, Chocolate, Coconut Crips, or even Cookies and Cream.

#25 To keep a clear head, remember to open the windows regularly and let in plenty of fresh air!

#26 Need that extra dose of relaxation? Take advantage of the cold weather and treat yourself to some time in the sauna.

#27 Boost your energy levels with delicious homemade ginger shots!

#28 Looking for an instant energy kick instead? Try our Sparkling Aminos we have 2 delicious flavors!

#29 Does it feel like the days are rushing by in a blur? Stop for a moment and try to be aware of the here and now. Mindfulness exercises are great for this. Not sure how to get started? We’ve put together some mindfulness exercises that you can easily integrate into your everyday life.

#30 Good time management is everything! Take some time every morning and plan your day. That way, you’ll have your to-do list under control and you’re bound to find an extra hour that you can use for yourself. Whether it’s for a workout, a walk, or cozying up with a book.

#31 Do you like to run, then go for a run either if the weather is cold or if it is raining.

#32 Sometimes you just can’t escape the stress of the holidays and before you know it, you’re on the go all day. In such cases, remember to pack yourself a small snack to avoid giving into fast food or junk food temptations. Our Protein Bars are the perfect snack for on-the-go.

#33 The intoxicating smell of winter treats like roasted nuts is everywhere, but would you rather try making your own sweet alternative? Try your hand at some nutty protein bars – not only delicious, but also great for gift giving.

#34 Don’t get too lost overthinking the perfect gifts. Often it’s quality time with your loved ones that’s the most valuable! Spend a nice evening with your friends or family to recharge your batteries.

#35 We’ll tell you why and how you can recharge your batteries during a long walk in the woods. After that, your to-dos will take care of themselves!

#36 Supermarkets are often overcrowded during the holidays. Plan your meals in advance so you know exactly what you need when you go shopping for the week. For inspiration, check out our delicious recipe collection.

#37 Despite a well-planned shopping list, we tend to get distracted by limited-edition sweets and “special editions” at the supermarket. Make sure that only what you consciously want to buy ends up in your shopping cart.

#38 Enjoy the little things, like finally rewatching your favorite Christmas movie. Of course, you can’t do that without a snack.

#39 Set a realistic monthly goal. This could be an athletic goal like learning to do clean push-ups, or something completely different. The choice is yours!

#40 No time for your workout? Do 10 squats while brushing your teeth or 15 sit-ups while watching your show. Some exercise is better than none at all!

#41 Sometimes in our daily lives we forget to check in with the people we care about. A quick phone call or a small message can be enough to brighten someone’s day; if you can, take a few minutes to do so.

#42 Holiday postcards are another lovely way to put a smile on the face of someone you care about – because who doesn’t love getting a surprise postcard?

#43 The holidays are considered extra social – the perfect time to find yourself a workout buddy and motivate each other!

#44 Listen to your intuition! If you’re hungry for something in particular, don’t forbid it – just make sure you only eat the amount that leaves you satisfied. This takes a bit of practice, so we’ve put together some helpful tips for intuitive eating.

#45 You can always say “no” and you don’t have to eat anything just to do someone a favor. You can also save the cookies you’re offered until you really want them without upsetting anyone.

#46 Feel like you need a snack all the time? Make sure you’re getting enough protein, preferably at every meal. If you feel well satiated, you can go longer without a snack.

#47 Don’t cancel a dinner date because you’re afraid of calorie traps. Choose potatoes over fries at a restaurant or opt for fish over steak. You always have a choice! (On the other hand, do cancel if you don’t feel comfortable eating in restaurants right now. Always choose a space where you feel you aren’t putting your health at risk.)

#48 Don’t have much time, but still want to work out? How about an effective interval workout at home in 4 minutes? Combine your two favorite power exercises and set your timer for 20 seconds of effort, 10 seconds of rest – all for 4 rounds. Let’s go!

#49 It’s perfectly normal to feel less motivated, especially with less daylight. We’ll give you tips to lift your spirits so you can hit the ground running again!

#50 Listen to your body. Right now, it’s especially important to be mindful of your body’s signals. That way, you’ll notice what it is you need to feel good and to stay healthy through the cold season.

Sources for this article

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