How to Have a Healthier Holiday Season

Written by: Mairead Rodgers Russell, Registered Dietitian

A big concern heading into the month of December is how to keep up with your healthy habits and goals. There’s fun foods, parties, and festive drinks coming at you from all sides, and it seems like there’s a special event on the calendar every day!

Luckily, we’ve got tips to help you stay consistent while still enjoying yourself!

Keep moving! 
We all know exercise is key for many reasons, but it can keep your body on an even keel during the holiday season. Exercise helps with digestion and keeping your bowels regular, as well as reducing your stress overall and helping you get a better night’s sleep!

If you can’t get to your normal classes at the gym, try getting out for a wintery walk or hike, going skating, or playing with your kids in the snow.

Eat on a normal schedule when you can! 
It’s tempting to eat less during the day leading up to a special meal or party.

Instead of “saving your calories” for the big event, you’re likely to end up overly hungry, making it hard to even enjoy what you’re eating.

Try eating your normal meals at normal times around special meals, and make sure to prioritize lean proteins and veggies if those might be missing later on.

Stay hydrated! 
Yes we all know that drinking enough water is important! But, it can be forgotten during the holidays, especially when there’s other fun drinks to be had.

Staying hydrated will help with digestion, and help your body keep feeling good if you’re eating more salt and sugar than normal.

Try keeping a water bottle with you when you’re in the car, making sure to have a glass of water with meals, or having a soda water in between alcoholic drinks at social events.

Aim for consistency over perfection! 
What we do consistently, day in and day out, is more important than what happens once in a while, especially when it comes to maintaining your health and fitness in the long term.

Instead of panicking over doing things perfectly every day, put the effort into doing a pretty good job most of the time, and let yourself enjoy the season without the stress. 

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