7 Easy Tips That’ll Keep You Fit Through the Holidays
3 min
@Bernardbodo
Festive evenings with friends, Christmas markets, and family get-togethers – getting through the holidays can be just as much a marathon as the 26-mile run! Read on as we reveal 7 tips on how to stay healthy during the holidays to the fullest, letting you enjoy yourself while staying active and keeping a balanced head and nutrition! If you’re not quite in the holiday spirit yet, maybe our chocolatey-hazelnutty Protein Cream will bring that little something to your festive breakfast table.
1. Keep Up Your Workouts
If you normally go to the gym in the morning or jog through the park at lunchtime, there’s no need to veer off course during the holidays. In fact, sticking to your habits – especially when your daily schedule is different than normal – can keep you on target to stay healthy during the holidays!
2. Eat Regularly
Make sure you eat regular, balanced meals. Going hungry all day just so you can feast in the evening can make you uncomfortably full later, not to mention hangry beforehand! Long periods without food increase your risk of bingeing on biscuits or mindlessly snacking way after dessert’s done. It’s always a great idea to drink a glass of water before the meal to stay hydrated, or enjoy a small salad before the main course.
3. Become an Early Bird
It’s not hard to stay fit and athletic through the holidays. Simply use the morning hours for a 20-minute burpee or jumping jacks workout to activate your circulation, burn massive amounts of extra calories, and start the day fit.
4. Eat Smarter this Holiday Season to Stay Healthy During The Holidays
Cookies, chocolate, and other sweet treats are definitely on the menu. You can enjoy all the delicious foods in moderation and also indulge in healthy and light food choices like nuts and berries or low-calorie fruit from time to time. Oranges, apples, raisins, and nuts like almonds and walnuts provide vitamins C, E, and B, plus healthy fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium.
Rather have cookies? We can understand that, try baking our vegan nut corners! Healthy and delicious at the same time.
5. Try an Interval Run
Even if the holidays are marked by relaxing and socializing with family members, it might be fun to lace up your sneakers when you have some time to yourself (or bring a buddy!). Find a nearby running path and power through a short, intense interval workout.
Exercise: 20 minutes interval run
Here’s how to do it:
Start jogging slowly for 5 minutes to warm up your muscles for the following load. Increase the speed and sprint for 15 seconds. Then continue to jog for 45 seconds. You can do a total of 10 of these intervals in 20 minutes.
6. Rest and Relaxation for Your Mental and Physical Health
Try not to neglect recovery time. Sleeping well and for long enough promotes regeneration, which is important for keeping up your strength and stamina. Relax your muscles with a hot bath in the evening or go to the sauna after your workout. Self-care is also crucial to stay healthy during the holidays. You’ve earned it!
7. Stretch and Manage Stress
Gentle exercises for stabilization and flexibility bring body and mind into balance and help manage your stress levels. Mindful breathing and focus exercises can bring inner peace and balance. Short yoga or Pilates sessions are ideal to de-stress between hectic family celebrations. All that’s needed is a quiet place to retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Here’s how to do it:
Sit on your heels, stretch your arms forward and keep your shoulders down. Hold for two breaths. Place your hands far forward and get into a tabletop position on your hands and knees. Flex your toes, push your hips up, and stretch through your back so your body forms an inverted V. Inhale and extend one leg straight up. Keep your hips level to put equal weight on both hands. Hold for five deep breaths and switch sides.
Read more: Want to learn more about how yoga can help you feel more calm and relaxed? Read our article: 9 yoga poses for beginners
As you can see, with a little planning, more exercise, and a mindful diet, you can stay healthy during the holidays and enjoy the holidays without any stress. We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful and relaxing holiday season!
More helpful thoughts from foodspring:
- Our 22 best recipes for healthy Christmas cookies
- How, When, and Why to Take a Break from Working Out
- Is cold thermogenesis your secret weapon for health?
- Intuitive Eating: What It Is and How You Can Do It
Sources for this article
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