What does your to-do list look like lately? Between shopping for gifts, baking treats for the whole office and being a referee for bickering family members – there’s not much time left in the day for your usual healthy activities, like eating right and getting in a good sweat session. Good news: it doesn’t have to be that way! Follow this plan to navigate safely through the temptations and stress of the holiday season.
The easiest way to stay healthy through the holiday season is to have a plan in place. It doesn’t have to be executed perfectly, but having a plan is key to enjoying all the fun, having the energy to be in the moment and eating well to fuel all your holiday activities — with a little built-in wiggle room so you’re not missing out on those special seasonal treats!
Here are five ways to stay on track:
- Mark down events you plan to attend on a calendar. Make a note if you need to bring something so that you know what needs to be added to your weekly shopping and to-do lists. Remember that it’s OK to decline an invitation or say “no.”
- Plan healthy snacks and meals. Make them ahead of time on a Sunday or a day that works best for you. This way, you’ll have healthy options for packing your own lunch and you won’t have to scramble for something quick at dinnertime.
- Plan splurge meals for the days you’ll be attending parties or events. It’s important not to deprive yourself entirely! Try to eat clean as clean as possible on all other days leading up to the event.
- Plan your workouts. Exercise in the morning, if possible, even if it means waking up 30 minutes earlier a few days a week. You’re less likely to skip a workout if it’s earlier in the day, especially when your post-work plans involve braving the crowd at the mall.
- Stay hydrated. We often mistake hunger for thirst, so be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. This will keep you from mindlessly snacking on those cookies your co-worker brought in. Bring a stainless steel water bottle with you, so you can hydrate anytime, anywhere.