How to Have a Healthy Holiday
By Genevieve Cunningham
It seems that no matter the holiday -- Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or the Fourth of July -- excessive food consumption is a big part of it. And holiday food is oh so good. It’s the food you look forward to all year long, and when it’s finally time to eat it, going all out is the only way to do it. Of course, this also means massive caloric intake and a decline in both healthy diet and general health. But what are we to do? Besides skipping out on the good stuff, how can we keep our health intact through the holidays? If you’re interested in maintaining good health without serious deprivation, take a look at these tips.
Plan Ahead
Nothing ruins a diet more than a lack of planning. Before the holiday arrives, plan ahead. How many days will you break your diet? How many meals? How many calories? Sometimes all it takes is simple planning ahead to ensure that you get the best of both worlds. Decide ahead of time what you’re going to eat and how much, and then stick to it once the day arrives.
Splurge on a Schedule
It’s actually beneficial to splurge from time to time. But the only way to keep a cheat meal from getting out of control is to schedule it. Before the day is upon you, determine which of the dishes is your favorite and is worth breaking your diet for. This is similar to planning ahead, except this goes one step further. If cherry pie is your weakness, allow yourself all the cherry pie you want. If it’s hot dogs, eat five. And then stop. Don’t splurge on anything else. Don’t allow another cheat meal. Stick to the plan, and you’ll be much better off when the holiday is over.
Move More
You can never outwork a bad diet, but if you’re just splurging a little through the holidays, then a little more movement might make a significant difference. Schedule in a few more workouts than usual. This can help you burn off any extra calories, so you can still enjoy the holiday without worrying over extra pounds. Though this won’t be the perfect solution, it’s an excellent way to make it through the season.
The holidays are a time to enjoy yourself and have a little fun. These tips can help you do just that without stressing over weight gain and health concerns. With a little preparation, you can eat to your heart’s content and keep your health in check for a fit body and better health all year long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.
