6 Tips to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

What’s not to love about the holiday season? Although the holidays look a bit different this year, there is still so much to look forward to! Great food, presents, (virtual) time with family, and so much more! However, with all that time spent running around it can be extremely easy to neglect your personal health when every moment seems packed with plans. AND with all of the extra time spent inside and sedentary this year, it's easy to overeat and not be as active as usual. This year has been a big change for all of us and we have all had to adapt and make new routines. 

The holidays are much more enjoyable when you are full of energy and not feeling run down, so here are 6 of our favorite tips on how to keep your health and fitness goals in mind during the holiday season!

1. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand

Cookies, cakes, and other unhealthy treats seem to pop up absolutely everywhere during the holidays! It can seem nearly impossible to resist some unhealthy snacks when the 2 PM and sugar cravings hit! Treating yourself every now and then is okay but going overboard, especially during the holidays, will not feel good in the long run. Keep a stash of delicious and healthy snacks at your desk or even stash a few in a bag or purse. This will help you avoid reaching for those unhealthy sweets and help you stay full throughout the day! Try cutting up fruits and vegetables for the week and pairing them with things like greek yogurt, nut butters, or hummus. This is a great way to keep your stomach satisfied and save room for those delectable family dinners!

Stocking up on healthy treats like ChocZero bark is a perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

We also love these low carb, high protein brownies from Eat Me Guilt Free! 

2.  Fit in Quick Workouts

Turning down a workout can be common when you don’t have a ton of time or don't feel motivated but quick at-home workouts can become lifesavers around this time of year! YouTube and Pinterest are great resources for finding workouts anywhere from 5-30 minutes long in a wide range of difficulties! Exercise is such an important factor in feeling energized and level-headed all-day, so making time to move is a great way to ensure you’ll be ready to take on the holidays.  

Pro Tip: Try tracking your workouts and healthy habits with our Health and Wellness Planning Pad Log and Fitness Stickers!  

3. Drink More Water

This often seems to be at the top of many people’s new year’s resolutions, so why not get a head start and start sipping now. The holiday season can tend to be filled with sugary drinks like holiday cocktails and hot cocoa, and it can be easy to forget that you still need water when you are out having fun with family and friends!

Use one of our Planning Pads to help keep track of your water intake and properly stay hydrated! Daily needs for water intake are very individualized, but the classic eight 8-ounce glasses a day is a great place to start!

4. Healthy Holiday Swaps

Holiday dinners may seem like an inevitably unhealthy meal, however, there are many delicious and nutritious swaps for popular dishes that ensure you won’t feel seriously stuffed after the big meal!

One favorite is mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes, which is just as delicious and comforting as the real deal. Also, simply roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes or brussel sprouts with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil is an incredibly quick and healthy alternative to the collard greens and creamed corn that people typically reach for at the table! Check out this Creamy Mashed Cauliflower recipe from kitchn, here! 

Keep track of your meals and grocery shop with our 6 x 9 Meal Planning Pads! 

5. Stock Up on Natural Remedies

Natural products can be your best friend when it comes to feeling vibrant and alive all season long! Stopping by your local health food store is a great way to discover supplements, spices, and teas that can help your body feel great when your diet and exercise are less than ideal around the holidays. Picking up some papaya enzymes or peppermint tea may help with digestion and help soothe a stomach ache brought on by your Thanksgiving plate of seconds (or thirds!). Stocking up on Echinacea in supplement or tea form can help strengthen your immune system when you are surrounded by friends and family, and may even help alleviate symptoms of a cold!

6. Spend Some Time Outdoors

Getting some fresh air and connecting with nature is vital to our health! Going on a long walk is not only an amazing way to burn off some blueberry pie but is also a great way to have some time by yourself, clear your head, and re focus. Make sure to get outside get some fresh air everyday! 

How do you plan on staying healthy around the holidays? Let us know in the comments below! 

xoxo,

the bloom team