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Biggest struggle during the holidays: ready…go! I’m sure for some of you “in-laws” popped in your head. I’m in the camp of the more family members the merrier, but I also know that I am probably in the minority. I do bet however that most of us can agree that staying healthy through the holidays is one of the hardest things!
My girlfriend and I were talking the other day about staying healthy through the holidays and we arrived at the same conclusion. It’s not necessarily the Thanksgiving meal or the Christmas Day meal, but rather all the snacking and appetizers that kill us. Think about it, with big gatherings whether it’s with family or a holiday party, come all the best finger foods. I’m a huge snacker, so this is my big time downfall. I end up grazing all throughout the holidays thinking I’m not eating a lot, but then I’m 5 lbs heavier by January. Can you relate?
This year I’m hoping to change my usual pattern of holiday weight gain. My goal is to still enjoy the holidays, indulge when I can, but stay on track. If you’re hoping to do the same, I hope these tips will help you!
Healthy Tips to Stay Healthy Through the Holidays:
- STAY HYDRATED: y’all, why is drinking water so hard? Staying hydrated is one of the number one ways to keep yourself from snacking all day long. When you’re well hydrated you’ll feel full. You’ll also start to find that when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually thirsty.
- MEAL PLAN WHEN POSSIBLE: It’s not possible to plan out all of your meals when you’re with family, but I like to plan out and control my meals as much as possible. For example, tonight we’re having pizza as a family, which will be so fun, but it leaves me two meals I can control. So, instead of falling off the wagon all day, I can still eat healthy for breakfast and lunch. Often if I’m going to eat a heavier dinner I try to keep my other meals light.
- EXPERIMENT WITH HEALTHY RECIPES: look, there are some dishes that just can’t be altered. You know like my moms twice baked potatoes – they need the full fat and all the sticks of butter. But, if you have an appetizer you love or a veggie dish you like to make, experiment with finding a healthier way to make them.
- INDULGE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE: allow yourself to have fun! If you get too rigid with your eating over the holidays I fear you’ll go crazy and end up throwing in the towel. Rather, allow yourself to indulge every now and then. Have a piece of pie hear and there, give yourself Thanksgiving Day to enjoy the big feast. Moderation is key.
- GET MOVING: it’s not always easy to keep to your normal work out ritual when traveling for the holidays, but it is possible to find a way to keep moving. Some days this may look like sneaking out for some time at the gym and other days it may look like a nature walk with your family. Either way, make time to move!
NOTE: if you need a distraction from food, check out my Black Friday guide here to get your shop on!
sweater: madewell | jeans: mott & bow | boots: similar, similar | bag: universal thread | sunnies: karen walker | necklace: dana rebecca
photography: fort lion studio
