5 Easy Ways To Stay Healthy During The Holidays

Pixabay

If the holidays are known for anything, it’s comfort. And we have to admit that to us, “comfort” means lots of festive treats like pumpkin pie, lavish meals drizzled with gravy and a break from our usual workout routines. While we enjoy ourselves, our bodies aren’t exactly thanking us. But luckily, there are ways to stay healthy while still indulging. Here are five of our best tips.

1. Choose one indulgent dessert per holiday meal.

Unsplash/Brina Blum

If you’re gawking at the pies at Thanksgiving or the Babka and apple fritters at Hanukkah, you’re in a tough spot to choose just one. Do yourself a favor, though — find your favorite and have one of that dessert. That way, you get to indulge without falling into a sugar coma. And if you really can’t choose, split half of two desserts with a family member and enjoy!

2. Engage in conversation at the dinner table.

Unsplash/Joseph Pearson

Have you ever noticed that once the big meal comes out, everyone goes silent while they dig into their plates? Try engaging your second cousin or grandma in conversation during your feast. You will not only allow yourself to take small breaks from eating, but also be less involved with the food and more involved with your company (which means you’ll likely take longer to finish your meal).

3. Drink water like crazy.

Unsplash/Joanna Kosinska

With all the hubbub going on at your family party, you might forget to hydrate as much as you’re drinking wine and heading back to the cheese board for seconds (or thirds). For good measure, drink a glass of water before every meal and remember that the average amount of water a person needs is eight glasses (usually the glass holds eight ounces).

4. Aim to exercise at least once per day.

Unsplash/Andrew Tanglao

Maybe you can’t keep up with your usual cycling class back in your hometown, but you can still keep some semblance of an exercise schedule. There are plenty of workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home, and if all else fails, take a 30-minute walk. No matter your style, you can accomplish it even in the middle of nowhere.

5. Keep snacking to a minimum (or just eat less of the big meal).

Unsplash/Brooke Lark

Snacking is easy to do when you have holiday trays on top of holiday trays surrounding you. But here’s the thing — you can feel free to indulge as long as you’re staying aware of how much you’re consuming. Packing a plate of meats and cheeses and then eating a full meal will throw your digestive tract off balance. Aim to eat as much as you do on any other day, whether that means snack and eat a smaller meal or avoid snacks so you can go all-in on the main event.