10 Tips For Staying In Shape During The Holidays

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It can be hard sticking to your healthy lifestyle goals over the holidays, so I am sharing tips for staying in shape during the holidays to help you with your goals!

10 Tips For Staying In Shape During The Holidays

The holidays are here and I know many of us worry about the typical holiday weight gain. Schedules get busy and food gets plentiful, it’s just that time of the year. To help you stay on track with your healthy life journey, I thought I would share a few tips that will hopefully help you stay on track during the holidays and beyond!

Stay Hydrated

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want on a cold day is an ice cold cup of water. I think of hot cocoa, hot tea, and all those delicious fancy drinks at Starbucks. BUT, those drinks don’t hydrate you. Even though you are chilly, you still need to care of your body. I keep a glass of water next to me all day. This time of year is also a great time to infuse your water or add flavor to it. That way you aren’t thinking about the fact it’s a cold cup of water.

Indulge A Little for a Day

Figure out where you’re willing to indulge a little on something special. This could be one day during the holiday season, or just one specific meal. We all have our weakness when it comes to traditional holiday food. It’s perfectly acceptable to have that one cheat treat or meal we go for during the holidays. One treat or meal isn’t going to put your goals to stay in shape during the holidays behind that much. I know I have my favorite sides and desserts during the holiday season, and since it’s only once a year, I see nothing wrong with having a little bit of my favorite holiday dishes.

Dress for Success

Wear your work out clothes when you plan on working out. Do NOT let your workout clothes be your comfy clothes. You can even consider laying your clothes out for yourself. So you SEE them…no “out of sight out of mind” here! And make sure you have the right clothes. You may be going inside for your Jazzercise class, but when you get out it will be COLD, so layer! Wear a performance Tee from Cariloha instead of just a tank (or wear the tank under the tee!). This is also the time of year to wear long capris or pants instead of shorts. Make sure the fabric is light, long-lasting and comfortable. I love the Fitness line from Cariloha because it allows your flexibility, breath-ability, and they irresistibly soft clothing. Each piece of clothing is made of viscose from bamboo so it is hypoallergenic as well. Plus, they are cute! I don’t know about you, but when I actually like my workout clothes, I tend to enjoy my workout more 🙂

Exercise

This may seem obvious, but I know everyone’s schedules gets crazy this time of year. Make sure you are still planning time for your work out. No time during the day? Too cold to get outside? Give yourself 15 minutes during the day to walk the office, walk the mall, do strength training at home before bed (work out those triceps on a dining room chair!), run up and down the stairs for 10 mins. Just stay active! I know it’s easy to make up excuses…maybe you don’t get in that hour class or that 3 mile jog…but do something. Do it for you!

Sleep

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night during the holiday season. I know that the holidays bring about a busy schedule and you may feel obligated to attend every holiday event that you’re invited to, but it’s important to get enough sleep. Make sure you have a regular bedtime each night and wake up at the same time to keep your mind and body running on full. Sleeping well during the holiday season is always difficult for me, that’s why I set my sleep schedule to make sure I hold myself accountable to sleep well during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Snack Right

Will your counters and tables be filled with cookies, chips, dips and more? Make sure there are healthy options out too. Carrots, hummus, celery sticks filled with low-fat cream cheese or peanut butter, etc. I also love Crispy Green dried fruit, no sugar added! Need to satisfy your “salty” fix? Have Pretzel Crisps out…they are a much healthier version and they are packed of flavor. They have a ton of different flavor options too, so there is an option that everyone is sure to love. Oh, and keep a look out for the Pretzel Crisp minis – 42 of them are only 110 calories. I promise you won’t miss the fat and calories.

Learn to Say No

It’s totally fine to say, “no, thank you” when someone offers you a decadent treat that may not fit your mission to stay in shape during the holidays. Let your family and friends know that you’re watching what you eat and while you can treat yourself a little bit, you’re trying to do your best to stay on track during the holidays for your weight loss and fitness goals. Most family and friends will embrace your polite no to their delicious treats, and most may even compliment you for your strength to stay in shape during the holidays amidst all of the tempting treats.

Be Weary of Desserts

Cookies, pie, cake, OH MY! Yes, this is the time of year that we are constantly surrounded by delicious, calorie-filled desserts. It would be silly for me to say “Just don’t eat them.” As, for me, that’s impossible…I have horrible willpower 🙂 BUT, I can enjoy them in moderation. Just a few bites will do ya…no need to eat the whole piece…or several pieces. Fill up on lots of veggies at dinner and you won’t still be hungry at dessert time. Another secret of mine…have lower calorie options available, bring one to the party!! Like these Pumpkin Bundt Cakes. Then maybe, you won’t want that double chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Or maybe you’ll just want one bite 😉

Write it Down- Goals and/or What You Eat

I always need a visual reminder of my goals to help keep me on track and motivated to stay in shape during the holidays. Write down your goals, cheat allowances, and other details so that you’re able to stay in shape during the holidays. The simple act of writing down your goals, as well as cheat allowances for the holiday season, helps keep you strong as you continue enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.

Pack Emergency Bag

Just in case all else fails and you find yourself in a jam at a holiday gathering, make sure you have an emergency bag packed! I’m not talking about a first aid kit or those type of emergencies, no! I’m talking about an emergency bag full of healthy snack options just in case you find yourself among a lot of junk and sweets without any alternative healthy options to eat during a holiday gathering.

When it comes to the best tip for staying in shape during the holidays, I’ve found that being creative is the great way to go. You don’t want to deprive yourself of your favorite holiday treats, such as that pumpkin pie that Grandma always makes, but you also don’t want to eat the entire pie! That’s why I invite you to use my easy to follow, reasonable tips shared today to stay in shape during the holidays. Remember that it’s okay to cheat a little bit, but the key is to stay focused on your goals and not let any family member or friend steer you away from those goals.

Here’s to a safe, happy, and HEALTHY holiday season for us all!