BASH BULLETIN: HOLIDAY HEALTHY
Staying healthy during the holidays is a challenge for most people. Between the work holiday parties, family gatherings, last minute shopping, travel, and the colder weather, our wellness routines tend to get tossed to the side. Here are 8 practical tips to help you to stay fit through the holidays.
- MAKE WELLNESS A PRIORITY.
It doesn’t have to be your first priority, but you will have to make time to stay fit during the holidays. Prepare nutritious meals during the week, even if for a couple days. Find a few delivery or take out spots that offer healthier options for days when you don’t feel like cooking.Prioritize exercise, too. Moving your body is sooo good for your mental health. Create a flexible but targeted fitness schedule, like “I want to work out at least 3 days a week for at least 50 minutes.” IF you work out more days than planned or for longer, great! The focus here is to reach your targeted baseline. Research proves it is easier to commit to a routine when it’s planned into your schedule and your goals focus on consistency, not perfection. - SET REALISTIC GOALS.
This is the season to be merry! Which also means it is NOT the season to commit to a new extreme diet (spoiler: they never work in the long run). Extremes lead to burnout and restricting certain foods will likely cause you to eat more. Find balance by enjoying the indulgences you really love in small portions and moving more. Do extra BASH workouts! - AVOID SKIPPING MEALS.
Eat before heading out for holiday fun. Don’t save your appetite to overindulge later. - SELECT THE TREATS.
To stay fit, you’ll need a strategy During the holidays, I gravitate towards options that are limited during the holiday season and not something that is readily available all the time. - DRINK WITH MODERATION.
Alcohol, sodas, and juices add more calories to the ones you already eaten. Make a plan on how many drinks will allow you to both enjoy yourself and feel your best the next day–then stick with it. Try and limit yourself to a certain number of nights you will indulge during the holiday season. - MOVE MORE.
We naturally move less in the winter. Find small ways to add movement to your daily routine. Create a fitness challenge with your family or friends. Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Take a walk during lunch to soak up the sun while it’s out. Park your car some distance away from the store (when it’s safe to do so). Knock out some Christmas shopping in stores for extra steps. - PLAN AHEAD FOR TRAVEL.
Bring workout clothes and a pair of gym shoes with you. If you’ll be out of town for an extended period, look up local parks or trails in the area or consider doing a BASH ONLINE WORKOUT wherever you are. There are several ways to stay active on the go. - DITCH THE ALL-OR-NOTHING MINDSET.
Staying fit and overall wellness does not require perfection. You can restart eating better any day of the week and it may not feel like it, but a 20-30 minute workout is better than no movement. Extend yourself grace when needed and do what you can.
XOXO,
Beth