Health Hacks to Get You Through the Holiday Season

Though the holidays are our favorite time of the year, they are also the time of the year that we find ourselves getting off-track when it comes to staying healthy.

Your regular workout routine gets interrupted more and more by holiday prep, parties, family time, friend time, and all the fun that goes along with the holidays. And once you start falling off the track, it’s hard to get back on.

And that’s before we even bring into the picture all the extra food that surrounds the holidays . . . As much as it is tasty, according to Harvard Health Publishing, “by eating just 200 extra calories a day — a piece of pecan pie and a tumbler of eggnog here, a couple latkes and some butter cookies there — you could pack on two to three pounds over this five-to six-week period.”

While that doesn’t sound like an irreversible amount of weight, it is typically much easier to put weight on than it is to take weight off. 

We aren’t suggesting that you deprive yourself of holiday treats and stick to a strict diet during this season, but there are a few things that you can do to stay motivated to remain healthy during this time of the year. 

1. Book classes ahead of time.

With studios like Pilates Platinum, by booking classes ahead of time you are much more likely to go. The penalty of a no-show or a late cancel is not only going to make you feel a bit of shame, it’s also going to cut into your holiday spending. 

By booking your classes ahead of time, you also are able to make time for your workouts. By making them a priority and scheduling parties and drinks with friends around your workouts, you are much more likely to stay on the right track.

2. Find a buddy.

An accountability partner is always a good idea, especially when you are struggling to find the motivation yourself. Find a friend to go to your Pilates class with you. Not only will you have more fun, you’ll also up your chances of attending class.

3. Indulge, but with reason.

Don’t rob yourself of the enjoyment of a piece of apple pie or a cookie. Rather than try and cut out all sweets, just be smart about them. Skip your morning latte if you know you’re going to be at a party where the sweets will be aplenty. And once there, limit your sweets. Save enough room for just one slice of pie, and leave it at that. 

4. Don’t go to a party hungry.

Yes, yes we know — it seems strange, but if you’re invited to a dinner or a party, don’t go there hungry. Chances are good the food at the party are going to be a far cry from healthy, so we suggest you save those calories and eat something healthy at home, leaving just enough room for the bit of indulgence we mentioned above. 

5. Workout earlier in the day.

During the holidays, evenings get busy. Post-work becomes the time for friends, family, and drinks. And the time that your workouts seem to somehow slip into the distance. In order to ensure you’re still getting your exercise in, workout in the morning so you don’t find yourself making excuses to get out of it later in the day. 

6. Choose your drinks wisely.

Did you know that a glass of eggnog can pack upwards of 500 calories? We don’t know about you, but if it was up to us, we’d rather eat our dessert than drink it. So instead of grabbing for that glass of eggnog, instead opt for a glass of wine or a cocktail whose calorie count is a more reasonable number. 

7. Set goals.

(photo credit: studyclerk.com)

Before the holiday season begins, set weekly goals for yourself. Write them down and hold yourself accountable. The holidays are definitely a time to enjoy, but not a time to let all your hard work on your health go to waste. Setting weekly goals is a great way to stay on track throughout the holiday season, rather than waiting until the end to realize you’ve let things go too far. 

 

See? Staying healthy and motivated during the holiday season doesn’t have to be hard. And trust us, you’ll feel so much better once January rolls around. You may even find yourself skipping on the New Year’s resolution because you won’t need one!

Ready to get started on your healthy holiday season?

Book a class with Pilates Platinum to start the holiday off on the right foot.