Staying on Track During the Holidays

With the holidays in full swing, one question people often ask themselves is, “How am I going to stay focused on health and fitness through the holiday season?”

It’s understandable that the extra temptation to cheat on your diet, the time spent doing fun family activities, shopping, and even just the stress of the holiday season can contribute to weight gain. So how do we combat this huge problem during the most festive of times?

Here are some ways to stay on track during the holiday season:

1. Instead of snacking on baked sweets, switch to a natural sweets like fruit to manage your sweet tooth.

2. With so many events, it’s important to plan an exit strategy that will get you home in time to get the recommended eight hours of sleep.

3. Drink plenty of water. The cool weather has a tendency to dehydrate and, sometimes, hunger pains can be a result of insufficient fluid intake.

4. Stay away from the break room, where team members often offer home-made baked goods and candies during this time of year. By avoiding the snack area where cheating can occur, you’re less likely to succumb to temptation.

5. Exercise your way through the holidays. By continuing to do even moderate exercise, you will increase your endorphin levels, which will eliminate the holiday blues and keep you from eating out of boredom.

6. Don’t increase alcohol consumption. It is recommended to drink two glasses of water for each alcoholic drink you consume.

7. Demonstrate portion control. For some reason people feel an obligation to over eat around holidays, but it’s not a requirement to indulge. By practicing portion control, you will not only feel better about your choice, but you will feel better physically.

8. Watching sports over the holidays is fine, but there is no reason to eat continually throughout the game. Instead of sitting in the recliner, try riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill.
Also eat healthier snacks.

9. Wash your hands more often; it doesn’t make you weird, it makes you healthy. Nothing is worse than getting sick during the holidays.

10. Check out your local martial arts school, like Shaw's Karate Institute, because it is a GREAT place to get in shape, build healthy habits, make friends and build skills for life!

Doing small things to maintain a healthier, happier lifestyle will make a huge difference in your life, especially during the holidays.

Courtesy of Jessy Norton