How to Have a Healthy Holiday
By Sara Butler
The holidays are a busy time -- and they’re right around the corner! Between family obligations and parties with co-workers and friends, it’s a time of year that makes it easy to slack on your workout and other healthy habits. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average person will gain one to two pounds during the holiday season. That may not sound like a lot, but it should be of concern to you because research suggests people don’t lose the weight they gain during the holiday either. Over a lifetime, that can add up. So, stay healthy this holiday season and don’t give into excuses that keep you from achieving optimum health!
You Don’t Have Time
This is an excuse often heard during the holidays (and other times of the year -- let’s be honest) as to why you can’t get to the gym or find time to do your workout at home. The truth of the matter is that you’re never going to find the time, you have to make it. Make your health and wellness a priority this year by making exercise a priority. Work out first thing in the morning before the day gets away from you. Hold yourself accountable by taking a group fitness class and commit to getting there at least three days a week. That will help to give you the extra motivation you may need.
You’ll Start After the New Year
It’s tempting to put things off until the rush of the holiday season is over, but postponing your fitness goals will only mean you have more work to do once the New Year begins. You can make this easier by having an all-or-nothing mindset. Commit to healthy eating most of the time and workout several days a week. You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities!
You Don’t Want to Miss Out
This is a season full of splurges. The problem is that when you splurge at every meal, you aren’t really splurging -- you’re just eating in an unhealthy way. Give yourself a splurge budget and limit it to two to three times a week. This will force you to make better choices and splurge only when it’s really worth it to you, instead of just having it all. Focus on how great you’re going to feel when the New Year rolls around!
Staying healthy this holiday season while you have fun is possible; you just have to know where to start!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.