The holiday season is full of friends, family, tasty treats and seasonal drinks. It’s a great time of the year filled with fun activities that nobody should miss out on. However, it is also often a time of the year where people feel their health and fitness priorities slipping. Even while enjoying all of the delicious things the holiday season has to offer, there are ways to make sure you don’t jeopardize your fitness goals and remain healthy and happy.
For many people, a huge part of the holidays is drinking tasty cocktails with their friends and family. In order to still enjoy those drinks while not sabotaging your body, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Alternating each alcoholic drink you have with at least one glass of water is a good way to stay on top of your water consumption and remain hydrated. Prior to drinking any alcohol, it is a good idea to plan ahead and drink more water than you normally would in order to start off already hydrated. It is extremely hard to come back to proper levels once you are dehydrated, so preparation truly is key. Finally, drinking at least two large glasses of water prior to going to bed will help your body recover during your sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and hydrated in the morning.
Although you’ve probably heard it a million times, moderation truly is key when it comes to enjoying all of the delicious holiday dishes. There’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy yourself and try your family’s famous pie that’s only made once a year. However, there is a big difference between having a small tasting amount and eating a whole entire pie. Especially since food seems to magically add up during the holidays between all the different people and parties, it is important to try everything in moderation. A few bites of all the delicious treats will let you still enjoy the taste of the food, but will ensure that your health goals are not sabotaged.
Eating in moderation will also allow you to wake up not feeling sick, thus allowing you to still hit the gym. While you might not be at the top of your workout grind during the holiday season, maintaining a regular workout routine is very important in order to stay on track. Working out at least a few times a week, if not getting even a short 30 minute workout in each day, will help your body maintain its fitness level and prevent you from having to start from ground zero come the new year. Getting a good sweat in will help your body detox each day from the food and drinks you are consuming and will help you stay regulated and feeling good.
Perhaps the most important key to staying healthy in the holiday season is staying focused on your goals and reminding yourself why you work so hard during the rest of the year. It can be easy to let yourself slip and overindulge during the holidays. If you stay focused on your long-term health and fitness goals, it becomes easier to put short term temptations in perspective to your overall personal progress. It is okay to enjoy all of the holiday treats – and you should – but reminding yourself of what truly is important to you is key in staying healthy, happy and feeling good in the holiday season and beyond.