The winter holidays are just around the corner. And, whether you love the holidays or dread them, one thing is for sure: NOW is the time to prepare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between hosting out-of-town friends and family, having the kids home from school, and cooking and eating ALL of that food, the holidays represent a major upset to our daily routines – bad news for anyone with a health or fitness goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For some people, the holidays also create significant stress. According to a 2018 study, 88% of Americans<\/a> feel stressed when celebrating the holidays. Over time, this stress can affect everything from our mental health to the quality of our sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, there are ways to stay healthy, fit, and sane during the holidays. In this blog, we\u2019ll share a few of our favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s dive in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you looking for ways to bring more peace, movement, and fitness into your holiday celebrations?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are our top tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The winter holidays are very food and celebration centric. This means lots of eating, maybe lots of imbibing, and lots of sitting around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To counteract the effects of those pastimes, stay active as much as possible during the holidays. If you can\u2019t find time for strenuous workouts, focus on keeping your body moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away and walk to the mall for your holiday shopping, incorporate some yoga or swimming into your days, or enjoy after-dinner walks with the family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, download a few quick at-home workout videos, and do them in your bedroom before everyone wakes up. Remember the Alloy training app for those training sessions outside the studio. Your trainer can prescribe activities to help keep you moving outside the training studio as well. Body weight and functional training exercises are easy to do with no equipment and can keep you feeling strong – even without the gym or studio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The more you move, the healthier (and happier) your holiday season will be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The holidays may be the only time you get to spend with friends and family who live far away, so it\u2019s important to savor that opportunity. While it may be tough to stick with your routine, it\u2019s essential to maintain as much of it as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you have young kids, keep their meals and bedtimes consistent. If you usually work out five days a week but don\u2019t have time, try to work out at least three or four days a week. If you can\u2019t make it into your regular training sessions, make sure you plan and prioritize your favorite activities to maintain your fitness goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The closer you can stay to your normal routine, the less challenging it will be to get back into the swing of things when the holidays end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumpkin pie. Cookies. Turkey. Gravy. Mashed potatoes galore. With all of that on the menu, it\u2019s tough to eat as clean as you usually do. During the holidays, though, it\u2019s important to practice mindful indulgence<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you try to avoid all your food cravings while everyone else indulges, you will feel unsatisfied. Plus, you may be more at risk of caving and throwing your nutrition goals to the wind! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, eat as normally as possible, and indulge your cravings in moderation. Instead of skipping meals all day so you can stuff yourself at holiday dinner, eat three normal meals (with a protein<\/a> at each), and incorporate small amounts of the delicious holiday treats you crave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to throwing your eating and workout schedules way out of whack, the holidays can also wreak havoc on your sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n6 Ways to Stay Healthy, Happy, and Fit During the Holidays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Move As Much As Possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Try To Stick To Your Regular Routine <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Indulge Your Cravings In Moderation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Prioritize Rest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n