This guilt-free holiday indulgence guide may just be your ticket to surviving the holidays... Read our top tips and learn how to stay healthy this season!
Making it through the holiday season without totally tossing all of your health goals aside may seem impossible. But, it's not.
You can stay healthy AND still indulge during the holidays.
How?
By following the simple tips in this post. If you keep these tips in mind, you will find the holidays to be a time of fun (rather than a time of guilt).
Let's dive into it.
Guilt-Free Holiday Indulgence Survival Guide
Tip #1: Don't skip meals.
I know what you're thinking: "If I skip breakfast and lunch I can eat more at dinner."
But, you should know that this logic is flawed.
Skipping meals slows down the metabolism and causes the body to go into survival mode. In other words, the body is not utilizing food as it should and it starts protecting its fat stores (not exactly what you want).
Tip #2: Plan your grocery trips and nutrient intake.
Plan and shop ahead to ensure you have lots of healthy foods within reach.
Each week, aim to stock your fridge and pantry with fresh and seasonal veggies, hearty fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of whole grains.
It’s also a great idea to stock up on a few on-the-go portion containers like that of Goodbyn containers. This will make meal prep extra easy and colourful!
Balance is essential. You do not have to be perfect all the time. Feeling guilty after eating foods you don't usually indulge in can breed further unhealthy behaviours. So abandon those negative voices in your head, permit yourself to enjoy the indulgence guilt-free, and then remember to get back on track with your normal eating routine the very next day.
Tip #3: Stay hydrated.
The holidays tend to be a time when we overindulge in our favourite cocktails, wines, and, specialty coffees (mmmm peppermint mocha).
While delicious, these drinks can lead to dehydration.
This can leave you feeling bloated, achy, and downright lazy. (Not exactly the way you hope to feel when you’ve been planning that little black dress to socialize in at a party!)
Best advice?
Go ahead and drink what you want, but keep moderation in mind, and drink plenty of water!
Alternate between an alcoholic beverage and a glass of water. Or, instead of that calorie-laden latte, try one of these tasty Four Sigmatic blends.
Tip #4: Don't forget about self-care.
Are you on your list? This year, give to yourself first to be emotionally and physically satisfied to give to others.
The beginning of self-care is to allow yourself to do whatever it is that you want.
So, if you don’t feel like going to a certain event then permit yourself to say “no”. By setting boundaries, you allow yourself to slow down and simply enjoy those traditions that are important to you.
Additionally, take 15-30 minutes each day to pamper yourself.
Have a candlelight bubble bath scented with aromatic bath salts. Sit and watch your favourite show while wrapped up in a cozy blanket.
Tip #5: Stay on top of your sleep schedule.
This is one of the most important tips in this holiday indulgence guide...
Don't skip out on sleep!
When you're tired, your brain sends you hunger signals when your body isn’t really hungry. This can lead to weight gain, additional stress, and irritability.
Remember, losing sleep over the perfect meal or present will not make you happier or healthier over the holidays. But you know what will? Consistent quality sleep.
Tip #6: Keep up with your fitness routine.
Yes, it’s cold outside, but that's no excuse to stop exercising.
On certain days, you may find it virtually impossible to have your normal workout but don’t stress.
Just do something for 20-30 min or so. After all, anything is better than nothing!
Plus, winter is also a great time to get the whole family moving. So, dust off your old skates or go snowshoeing! Incrediwear has a fabulous line of Winter Sports Socks to keep those toes cozy; check them out here.
Closing Thoughts
Lastly, we hope this holiday indulgence guide was helpful for you and motivated you to stick to your goals this season.
P.S. Leave a comment below sharing your favourite tip for staying healthy during the holidays!
