By Omayra La Bella
“During the holiday season, maintaining your health and wellness goals can be challenging with all the added hustle and bustle, but it’s not impossible.”
The holiday season has arrived! This is a busy time of the year, filled with enjoyable activities, family obligations, and plenty of festive meals. During this season, maintaining your health and wellness goals can be challenging with all the added hustle and bustle, but it’s not impossible.
We sometimes stray from our wellness and health routines during the holidays, which can make us feel less than joyful. Sometimes the worst ways to celebrate are overindulging in decadent foods, attending wild holiday parties, and tampering with your sleep schedule and weekly routines.
It can be tempting to indulge in the festive drinks and those cheesy, meaty snacks that are in front of you, but remembering the key word of “moderation” will make you feel better. As you navigate the holiday season, keep in mind how important it is to continue being nourished, hydrated, and physically active.
Enjoy yourself! With a tray of holiday treats in front of you and the aroma of a cooking turkey filling the air, it can be difficult to take a moment to reflect about “moderation.” The truth is that the holidays are a time to celebrate and indulge. I won’t stand here and forbid you from indulging in delicious goodies at this time of year. All I’m trying to convey is that while indulging is pleasurable, don’t forget to get back on track afterward.
As the holidays come to an end, enjoy the special dinner your family has prepared, sip your hot chocolate, have fun, and get ready to go back to your organized state of mind. This is all about taking care of yourself; it’s not just about food! Get a massage for yourself, go for a walk in the park or through your neighborhood and meditate. Each of us has our own way of relaxing and enjoying the holidays.
Here are some pointers that I suggest:
If you do eat items heavy in calories, saturated fat, or added sugars, limit your intake to occasional modest meals.
When it comes to parties and other get-togethers, start your plate with your preferred fruits and veggies and then add modest servings of the less nutritious foods.
Bring your best healthy dish to the gathering if you are bringing food.
Stay active! Continue exercising as usual and focus on future fitness goals. Why not incorporate a few new exercises into your program now that you have a little more time? Attend that exercise class you have been wanting to take, work out with a personal trainer, or try out some equipment you haven’t used at the gym before.
Not a fan of the gym? Step outdoors! Take a ride on your bicycle, hike a new track, or discover an urban park! Take a stroll through the downtown area with your loved ones and enjoy the stunning holiday decorations, that’s always been one of my favorite things to do with my family. There are countless options! Just take a moment to consider more enjoyable and healthier things you can do throughout your holiday vacation days.
Keep your perspective! Ultimately, don’t stress over missing one or more days of exercising. If a day does not go as planned, pick yourself up the next day and don’t dwell on it, try not to feel guilty. Remain mindful of your well-being and the joys of the holidays, including love, friendship, and thankfulness, in addition to what you are celebrating. These suggestions will help you feel content and in good health during the joyous occasion that is the holiday season.
