Holiday Hacks: Tips to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season
Article posted in: Lifestyle
When the weather starts cooling down, your social calendar starts heating up with family gatherings, festive events, and, of course, delicious meals and treats during the holiday season. With all the extra indulgence, it’s easy to feel like your healthy habits might take a back seat. However, staying on track doesn’t have to be challenging!
Make staying on track during the holidays easier by focusing on small, simple ways you can prioritize your health. By incorporating the right habits, you can enjoy any occasion without losing sight of your weight loss goals. Here are some effective tips to maintain balance and stay healthy while celebrating the holidays.
Top Holiday Health Tips to Help You Thrive This Season
Not sure how to stay healthy during the holidays? While sweet and savory treats seem to be everywhere during this time of year, there are plenty of solutions that will keep you on track while allowing you to enjoy every moment of the holiday season.
1. Plan Ahead for Success
Here’s how to enjoy holiday meals, maintain portion control and stay hydrated without feeling like you’re missing out:
BYOD (Bring Your Own Dish)
- Offer to bring a dish so you’ll have something delicious to eat that won’t derail your weight loss plans. Bringing your own dish is a great way to ensure that there’s at least one healthy option you can enjoy guilt-free. Choose nutrient-dense options like a colorful veggie platter, a protein-packed salad, or a wholesome dip to share with friends and family.
- If you’re following a specific plan, like Jenny Craig, consider having your Jenny Craig meal beforehand. Then enjoy sides that are already on your menu at the event, like salads or fruit.
2. Mindful Eating Tips: Control Portions & Savor Every Bite
Eating mindfully can help you enjoy your meal without overindulging. Here’s how to get the most out of your holiday meals:
Choose Smaller Portions & Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods
- Select nutrient-dense options, like non-starchy vegetables and lean proteins, and serve yourself on a smaller plate to keep portions in check. This helps avoid overeating while still letting you sample the dishes you love.
Eat Slowly and Savor the Flavors
- Try to also pay attention to how quickly you eat. Research has shown that people who eat quickly are more likely to gain weight, have higher blood glucose and a larger waistline. Eating slowly and more mindfully gives you the time to savor your food and allows your digestive system’s hormones time to signal to your brain feelings of fullness. Take at least 20 minutes for your meal to allow this to happen. Focus on each bite’s taste, texture and aroma for a more enjoyable eating experience!
3. Stay Hydrated & Choose Low-Calorie Beverages
What you drink can impact your calorie intake just as much as what you eat. During the holidays, focus on staying hydrated with water and avoid high-calorie beverages, like sodas, alcohol and sugary coffee drinks.
Opt for Water or Light Alternatives
- Wondering what to sip on when you’re at a holiday party? Studies show that drinking more water may help with weight loss. It can increase feelings of fullness during your meal — which means you may not be as inclined to snack or reach for a second serving.
- If you’re craving a festive twist, try sparkling water or infuse your water with holiday fruits like pomegranate, grapefruit or pear. At gatherings, opt for soda water garnished with a lemon or lime.
Pro Tip! To infuse water, slice your fruit and add it to a 2-quart pitcher of water. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.
How to Stay Active and Reduce Stress During the Holidays
Physical activity can be both a stress-reliever and a way to stay on track with your health goals. Here’s how to fit in movement during the busy holiday season:
4. Make Time for Quick Exercise Sessions
Physical activity doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Even a short burst of activity can positively impact your body by boosting your metabolism, mood and heart function. Just 10 to 15 minutes of movement can be enough to elevate your mood and boost metabolism.
Simple Ways to Stay Active
- Take a brisk walk before or after meals to help with digestion and burn extra calories.
- Involve the family in fun activities like a post-dinner walk or a game of tag with the kids.
- Sneak in a mini workout at home, like a few bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges or push-ups), even if it’s just during commercial breaks or between chores!
5. Reduce Stress to Support Your Health Goals
Holidays can be stressful with extra demands on your time. Managing stress is essential for maintaining overall well-being and can help reduce the temptation to stress-eat.
Practice Mindfulness & Self-Care
- Take a few moments each day for self-care practices like deep breathing, meditation or even stretching. Mindful practices can help calm the mind and reduce cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress.
- Engage in social support and connect with friends or family for a quick check-in; strong social connections are shown to reduce stress and promote health.
Get Moving
- Exercise is also a great way to manage stress, especially during the hectic holiday season. Physical activity helps reduce the body’s stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Additionally, it stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.
- The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your holiday to-do list, try taking 15 to 30 minutes to get your heart pumping.
Additional Hacks for Staying Healthy This Holiday Season
Here are some extra tips to keep your health and wellness top of mind:
6. Embrace Healthier Holiday Traditions
Create new traditions that promote wellness. Instead of making the holidays solely about food, think about non-food-related activities that can become new favorites. Here are some ideas:
- Take a family walk after holiday dinners, encouraging everyone to enjoy the outdoors together.
- Organize a holiday game night or a group board game tournament.
- Try a holiday-themed workout challenge or a family-friendly scavenger hunt around the neighborhood.
7. Don’t Skip Meals to “Save” Calories
It’s tempting to skip meals to save up for a big holiday dinner, but this can lead to overeating. Instead:
- Have a balanced meal with protein, fiber and healthy fats before any event. This will help prevent cravings and make it easier to make balanced choices.
- Keep healthy snacks on hand if you’re on the go to prevent being too hungry when it’s time to eat.
Take Action on Your Health Goals During the Holidays
With a little preparation and planning, mindful eating, and small changes to your routine, you can stay on track with your wellness goals while fully enjoying the season. Try setting a few realistic goals to keep yourself accountable and embrace healthier holiday habits that last beyond the season.
Ready to take the next step with your weight loss and healthy habits? Jenny Craig’s complete weight loss plan includes delicious chef-crafted meals and personalized support. Get started today!
Enjoy the holidays with confidence!
