With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we are about the enter one of the best times of the year: holiday season. With a full schedule of holiday parties with your office, family and friends, it can be easy to overindulge. Here are 8 tips to help you stay healthy this holiday season.
1. Be realistic
So you probably won't be able to find time to go to the gym everyday or lose those last 5 pounds you want. And that's okay! Understand that this is a very busy time, and give yourself a break. With that said....
2. Schedule Exercise Time
If it's important to you to get your exercise time in, schedule it just like you would any other appointment. Find an available time, write it on your calendar and stick to it. This will make you more likely to exercise than just trying to fit it in between other obligations.
3. Don't Skip Meals
It may be tempting to skip lunch so that you can eat more at your holiday party in the evening, but this may cause you to overeat. Stick to normal meal times and meal sizes.
4. Be Strategic
Before you hit the buffet, scan the table to see what items you really want. Remember, there's no need to try everything. When you go to fill your plate, only take the things you love and skip everything else.
5. Go Easy on the Alcohol
Alcohol is just empty calories, and drinking may encourage you to mindlessly snack. Make sure you don't drink on an empty stomach, alternate drinks with water and limit yourself to a few.
6. Save Room for Dessert
If you know you just have to have a slice of that pumpkin pie, stop eating dinner before you're full to save room. Otherwise you'll probably end up forcing that pie on top of a full stomach.
7. Get Outside
It can be tough when you're inside at work all day, and it's dark outside by the time you get home. Take a walk outside during the day or just try to sit near a window. The sunlight will give you vitamin D and boost your mood.
8. Say "No"
Remember you don't need to attend every function you're invited to. Overexerting yourself will only lead to extra stress.
