Get your movement in no matter the weather!
Halloween has come and gone. It’s a new month, which means it’s a great time to check in with yourself and set some health goals, especially as we head into the winter and holiday season. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it - crazy! Thanksgiving and the holiday season usually means lots of sweets and treats everywhere you look, festive cocktails, and lots of parties. So how can you keep your health in check throughout all of this? Read on for my tips and tricks!
Tips and Tricks For Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season:
Keep a glass of water or water bottle near you at all times to remind you to stay hydrated!
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is beneficial for optimal brain function, balanced energy levels, staying regular with digestion, skin health, and in aiding with weight loss. Ideally, you’ll start your day with a big glass of water, before coffee and breakfast. After a night’s sleep, your cells, tissues, and muscles are dehydrated. Replenishing them with enough water should be a priority. Then throughout the day, try to keep a water bottle with you to remind you to stay hydrated.
Also, with the holiday season, you might be having more alcoholic drinks than you typically have. Alcohol is intoxicating and dehydrating. Having enough water helps flush out the toxins and keep us hydrated.
Prioritize Sleep
Try to stick with your bedtime and morning routine so that you can feel rested and energized. While you may have a busier social calendar than usual, remember we need adequate sleep for optimal health. Getting enough sleep contributes to balanced hormone levels, a strong immune system, and brain function to name a few!
Focus on Having Nutrient-Dense Meals
It’s easy to be in control of breakfast, so make sure you start your day with a meal consisting of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A smoothie, eggs, avocado on whole grain bread, and oatmeal are great options.
When cooking at home, plan nourishing menus that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling energized. Opt for seasonal ingredients, like squash, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beets, and mushrooms.
When attending a party or say a Thanksgiving dinner, offer to bring a healthy dish to share, such as these ones here! That way, you can be assured that you’ll have at least one dish that you feel great about eating.
Stay Active
With the holiday season comes a busier social calendar, but do your best to keep up with your exercise routine. If you can’t make it to the gym or your exercise classes, see how you can incorporate movement into your day. Can you walk to work, go for a walk at lunchtime, walk to the party you’re attending? Yes, movement burns calories, but it also contributes to our digestive health, cardiovascular health, immune function, and mood regulation.
Indulge, but in Moderation
Indulging here and there is not going to ruin your health goals. In fact, eating delicious food is social and makes us happy. If we are too restrictive, this can often have a backlash effect. Also remember, if you do slip up and overdo it, don’t beat yourself up. Focus on your next meal, and be sure to rebalance with nutrient-dense foods like fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
