With Thanksgiving less than a month away, now is the perfect time to refresh and renew your healthy living habits!
Many people make the mistake of putting their health on hold during the holidays. By the time December rolls around, they’ve resigned themselves to yet another month of overeating and inactivity until after the New Year.
How can you avoid this trap? By tackling the issue now. Establishing a healthy eating, exercise and wellness routine before the holiday rush will make it much easier to maintain it when you’re busy and short on time. Here are some simple ways to get started.
Focus on a balanced diet. This is not the time for extreme dieting or drastic weight-loss measures. Commit yourself to a sensible diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to help offset the rich holiday foods you’re sure to be eating over the next few months.
Set reasonable fitness goals. It’s probably not realistic to expect you will be spending several hours each week at the gym through New Year’s. Instead, decide on modest but meaningful physical activities you know you can maintain within your busy schedule. Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3 times a week is enough to make a real difference for your health.
Plan your indulgences wisely. If you anticipate the holiday parties and family get-togethers when you know your diet is likely to slip, it’s much easier preserve healthy eating habits overall. Treating yourself to baked goods at the office or an impromptu night out is a sure way to fall off nutritious eating altogether.
Drink lots of water. As the weather cools, many people are less likely to drink as much water as they previously did throughout the year. Water helps you feel full and prevents you from consuming added calories and unhealthy beverages.
Take time to unwind. Start planning now for the holiday rush by making time in your day for relaxing activities you enjoy. When we feel stressed, we’re more likely to binge eat or brush off our fitness plans. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to music or just relaxing with a hot cup of tea, a little stress-free time out each day is the key to staying happy and healthy during the holidays.
Kevin Arnold
Kevin Arnold writes about allergies and asthma, travel and healthy living. For more tips and information, check out all of his posts at www.blog.pureroom.com.
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