5 Healthy Holiday Tips

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. It was a very big tradition in my family growing up, and I love passing on family traditions with the boys. For most people Christmas usually means lots of parties, baked goods, a few drinks, and extra gravy on top of everything. This time of year is when people either forget or stop caring about how to be healthy. Yes there are lots of parties, family gatherings, open houses and events to which most of have turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweets, wine, beer, more turkey and lots of “peer pressure”, but does that mean you should just not care about your health over the Holidays and go completely off the rails? I use to have this mindset, but always paid for it after, so now I’ve a more balanced approach to the Holidays.

Stats show that most people gain 5-15 lbs over the Holidays and people use the above reasons as excuses to do so. People try to use these as “reasons”, but let’s be honest, they’re simply excuses. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to sit here and say “don’t indulge” or “put down those sweets”, but what I will say is that you don’t need to eat everything and anything you can get your hands on (like I use to) for two weeks straight and not do any exercise!

If you’re looking for ways to be successful over the Holidays, here are a few tips that have helped me over the years:

1. Before you go to a party, eat a good size balanced meal. I know this may sound strange because there’s going to be FREE FOOD, but why go to a party hungry where you don’t know what the menu is going to be? You know most parties are going to be finger foods and deserts, and you also know that most party finger foods aren’t healthy. If it’s a potluck, bring something you know is healthy-ish that you can eat while you’re there to offset the cookies you will be having.
2. Get your ass to the gym.. Our gym, Stanley Boxing & Fitness, is only closed for 5 days during the holidays, and I assume most gyms are the same. Don’t throw away your hard work because it’s the Holidays. Go try out those new workout clothes and get a sweat on. This will also help offset whatever you’ve been eating over the Holidays as well. Plus we know it’s good for your mental health too! OR, if your gym is closed, try an at home workout. They can be quick and dirty and still kick your butt. I’ve got a few listed here.
3. Give yourself a cheat or treat day or a few cheat/treat meals over the Holidays instead of going crazy for 8 days straight. You’ve worked so hard all year, you deserve a treat, but don’t ruin everything you’ve done by eating all of the cake in the world over a week. Remember, you can’t out train a bad diet.
4. Eat clean outside of your “Holiday cheat meals”. Lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats, healthy fats, and limit your sugars. Keep it balanced!
5. DO NOT say “I’ll start in the New Year”. This is the biggest cop-out that exists. Why put off to tomorrow what you can do today? Whether you’re a gym rat or want to get healthy for the first time, being active, eating well and being healthy is the BIGGEST way to prevent putting on Holiday weight!

Don’t stress too much about your Holiday eating habits but also don’t let them get out of control. Enjoy your time with your family and friends, but also keep what you’re putting into your body in the back of your mind.