Holiday dinner

How to Stay Fit During the Holidays

The winter holidays are a time for family, joy, and food. While we cannot imagine the holiday season without delicious dishes, it does make it hard to stay fit during the holidays. An NIH study showed that nearly everybody experiences weight fluctuation. So, we decided to do a little research on our own to find the best ways to stay fit.

Dinner for the holidays

Every person is unique, and every body has different needs, but there are certain universal tips that can help you. In this article, we will explore how eating well, exercising regularly, and meditating often all affect you positively. Dive in and find the top 4 ways to stay fit during the holidays.

Healthy Breakfast

When you think about the high-calorie foods during the holiday, you usually think about dinner and dessert. Those meals consist of turkeys, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, pot roasts, as well as pies, cookies, and brownies. These foods we associate with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas are mouth-watering, but they are also incredibly high in calories, fats, and salts.

Because of that, you may find it easy to stay fit during the holidays if you balance those dishes with a healthy breakfast. Whether you eat Greek yoghurt, a chia seed pudding, or plain eggs, a light breakfast can work wonders. It can provide you with all the nutrients you need, without oversaturating your digestive system.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are essential in keeping your body functioning and healthy. In the past five years, since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have grown more aware of the benefits that these supplements can provide. Vitamin B1 helps break down and release the energy from food, whereas vitamin C helps protect your cells.

Picture of supplement capsules

Every vitamin and mineral plays a key role in your body, so taking them regularly can help you stay fit during the holidays. You can set reminders for yourself on your smartphone or your smart watch, so that you take them regularly.

Daily Walks

It’s difficult to find time to hit the gym or go to your pilates class during the holidays. You’re either preparing for your friends and family to visit, or you’re visiting someone else. Additionally, the holidays are a time for socializing and catching up, so exercising is not a huge priority.

That is why daily walks can be your lifesaver. Get the kids or the dogs, or even your siblings and go on daily walks. It doesn’t have to be a very long distance with a fast pace; you just need to get out there and walk. Not only will it help you physically, but it is also a great way to relax and destress.

Restful Sleep

It’s difficult to get enough sleep around the holidays because there’s a constant hum of energy. If the kids are not waking you up extra early for presents, then your friends are staying over late. The constant snacking, drinking, playing on game consoles, and even playing party games can throw your sleep schedule off track.

Woman sleeping in bed

But, that is why it’s particularly important to get restful sleep. If you can’t get 7-8 hours a night, at least make sure you sneak in a nap during the day. That will give you more energy, and it will give your body the rest it needs to recover and keep going.

Regular Mediation

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health when staying fit. That is why you shouldn’t neglect your peace of mind during the holidays, even when your house is loud and crowded. One of the best ways to stay fit during the holidays is to maintain your peace and composure, even when everyone lowers their inhibitions.

Engaging in regular meditation, at least once per day, can help keep you grounded and calm. Whether you do it in the morning before everyone else gets up, or at night after everyone goes to bed, just take some time for yourself. Find a quiet corner and put aside the distractions to calm your mind.

Have Fun and Stay Fit

The winter holidays can be a source of stress for all of us. You find yourself eating more than usual, exercising less, and sleeping irregularly. All of that can make it incredibly hard to stay fit during the holidays, which can affect your weight, mood, and even health.

While the tips that we went through in this article can all help you with staying fit, there is one crucial thing to keep in mind. Having fun. Don’t let the chaos make you forget that the holidays are a time of love, friendship, family, and joy.


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