It’s here!
Whether you’re ready or not, the holiday season seems to come quicker and quicker every year.
Don’t let the upcoming holidays reek havoc on the weight loss and the getting-healthier-mode you’ve been in all year.
Here are a few suggestions to help you stay healthy and enjoy this time of the year!
Schedule your workout. Lay your running or exercise gear and clothes out the night before and have everything ready to go. Set your clock early and make your mind up that this is how you’ll begin your day. Starting the day with exercise sets the tone on how we’ll do for the remainder of the day.
Drink a protein shake. Before heading out to the holiday party or dinner, have a protein shake filled with lots of healthy goodness to help keep you full and prevent a bit of possible overindulging. Here is my favorite protein shake.
Eat your veggies. Fill your plate with the healthy stuff like veggies and lean protein and go less with grains and starches like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. Make healthy swaps too and choose nutrient dense, higher fiber options instead of those quicker, high sugar dishes. For example, go with a sweet potato instead of white or choose quinoa instead of white rice. You’ll be glad you did!
Go for a walk after dinner. Instead of taking the notorious nap after having that big holiday lunch, go for a walk instead. You’ll feel better, digest your food quicker and burn off a few calories while doing so. It’s win-win!
Keep healthy food and snacks convenient. Avoid the temptation and don’t buy the sweet stuff and junkie holiday goodies. Fill your pantry and fridge with healthier options such as almonds, healthy granola, homemade granola bars, fresh fruits and vegetables to grab as a quick snack.
For potluck, take something healthy that you will eat. Whenever we go to a party or family get together and we have to bring a dish, I always take along a healthy food item that I know I will eat–my staple has become roasted vegetables. I cut up a mixture of squash, zucchini, mushrooms and an assortment of peppers, toss with olive and salt and pepper and roast in the oven for about 30 minutes. Delish! Now I have a healthier option to eat instead of the usual high starch, high fat options that are normally there!
What are your suggestions to survive the holiday season?
The potluck tip is my favorite, or even holiday parties/gatherings. I always make sure to make something lighter or healthier that I like so I know I can fill up on it! That and raw veggies 🙂
Thanks Sarah! And since most won’t eat what I take (I have leftovers so it’s a double win for me!) lol!