Think it’s impossible to stay on track during the holiday season? It’s easier than you think! The holidays can be a time of constant celebration and overindulgence, but it doesn’t mean you have to start the New Year off with the gift of added lbs this year. It’s a snap to stay healthy this holiday season by sticking to these 8 healthy hacks.
- Find time to time to sneak in a workout. Since time is always tight this time of year, you may not have time for your full workout but every little bit helps. Make a conscious effort to set aside just 10 minutes a day to squeeze in a walk around the block or for some weight training. Also, use those holiday errands to get in some extra activity by finding the furthest parking spot and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You will be shocked at how quickly the small bursts of activity add up to some major calorie burn!
- Holiday meals. A great hack is to use the salad plate instead of the dinner plate. You can still fill the plate with all your favorites, but the portions will be smaller which saves countless calories! Plus, it makes the plate look full so you feel more satisfied
- Cheers to cocktails. Let’s face facts, cocktails are going to happen. I mean, it is a time to celebrate! To avoid the calorie trap that is alcohol, try to limit yourself to 1 or 2. Also, choose wisely as all cocktails were not created equally. Steer clear of all the sugary cocktails and choose an option with fewer calories.
- Get enough rest. This is a tough one for me as I am always burning the candle at both ends but getting in those 7-8 hours of sleep will make all the difference. Without proper rest, it is much harder to manage your blood sugar which causes you to eat more and crave high-fat, high-sugar foods. In addition, you won’t have the energy or desire to squeeze in the extra physical activity aforementioned.
- Eat protein in the morning. Start the day out with a protein-packed breakfast such as egg-white omelets, Greek yogurt, or protein shakes. It will help maintain steady blood sugar levels and “hunger hormones” throughout the day, which will help you control your appetite.
- Avoid grazing. If you find yourself at a party with lots of delicious treats, be sure to select your favorites and put them on a plate. After you’ve made your selection, try to relocate away from the food table. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting into conversation and absentmindedly picking at the food. This often leads to overindulging and packing in tons of extra calories you won’t even remember consuming!
- Control your stress levels. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed over the holidays. It’s best to start early and make lists so you feel organized and in control. When you feel stressed, it leads to higher levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that’s released in response to stress. When cortisol levels rise for prolonged periods, it is known to cause weight gain as it is linked to an increased appetite.
- Weigh yourself regularly. This alone sounds like it may raise stress levels, but remember that knowledge is power! Stepping on the scale regularly will help you catch a small weight gain before it becomes a significant one. This will remind you of your goals and potentially stop a problem before it spirals out of control.
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