As the holidays approach, many people tend to indulge at holiday parties and dinners, because there is usually an abundance of delicious food to enjoy. I think it’s important to plan ahead for these occasions, so you can enjoy yourself without guilt, and still be able to fit into your cute holiday outfit at the same time. With a bit of planning and preparation, staying healthy and fit during the holidays is a goal everyone can achieve.
I use Google Calendar to sync with my phone calendar, so I can see at a glance what events are approaching. I generally know what type of snacks or meals will be available at each event, so I can eat lightly early in the day if the event will feature a big meal. I try to eat a small salad or healthy snack before I go, and then I’m not starving and tempted to fill up on unhealthy snacks while I’m there. Don’t miss my post on How to eat and drink healthy during the holidays!
Take a fun, but healthy dish. I like to make these Grinch Fruit Kabobs to take with me. Everyone always offers compliments on how cute they are, but my favorite part is that it entices people to eat fresh fruit 🙂 I’m not a drinker, so I stick to water, or perhaps take an infused tumbler with fresh fruit inside to flavor my water.
Be sure you are exercising daily. It’ll help keep those extra calories in check, and give you natural energy. It’s getting cold here in New England, and I’m sure the dreaded snow is not far away. Many people opt to exercise indoors once the temperatures drop, especially when the snow falls and the roads are icy. I just started doing Pilates, and I like to walk, and we have had recent sightings of wolves, coyotes, bears, and other creatures in the surrounding areas, so the treadmill is keeping me on track. You don’t need to procrastinate until January to purchase one if you don’t already have one. Many places have these on sale during the holiday season, and treadmills are now more affordable than ever. Be sure to measure the area you want to put it in, so you know it’ll fit, and then compare features so you find what options will work best for you. We also have an indoor exercise bike that we like to use. Ours is a recumbent bike, so the seat is quite comfortable. It has several options so you can bike a trail, a set number of miles, a timer, a heart monitor, and a rack to hold a magazine if you want to read while you ride.
What is your favorite tip to encourage others who are staying healthy and fit during the holidays? What is your preferred method of exercising during the winter months?
ANdrew@aimworkout says
Great point Karen, indoor cycles can be a great way to stay fit and exercise, especially when it gets too cold or too hot outside.
Kelly Blackwell says
During the holidays I make a point to always start any meal with a salad. It helps fill us up which keeps us from over indulging on the more fattening meal choices. Exercising in the winter can be fairly rough for us because the weather can be iffy in Northern Arizona. We tray to take walks on the weekends in the square. I up my office exercise by getting up and taking a quick office stroll every 30 minutes as well. It is a little thing but it helps.
Rosie says
I like to bring healthy dishes and snacks. I walk year round, no matter the weather!!