Just like a lot of people, I sometimes struggle to stay motivated to workout and eat healthy during the holiday season. It's JUST. SO. HARD! There are soooooo many delicious treats and big oversized sweaters to snuggle into. Plus, when everyone has gathered around for food and laughter, sometimes the last thing you wanna do is commit to a sweat sesh. But it's so important to keep your body moving. In fact, staying active during the holidays can make your winter memories even more fun, cuz you'll have more energy to do all the fun things you want!
So how do you do it? Here are some easy things you can try to stay on track this holiday season.
Go for a walk.
If you're physically able (and you're not stuck in a blizzard or something scary like that,) go for a 30-minute walk every day. Bring along family members, pets, and/or friends! Our workouts don't have to be crazy every time...the point is to move your body. It doesn't need to be an intense workout...just get your body moving. Think of those 30 minutes as your "me" time.
Make healthy substitutions.
Okay...I personally think it's fun to find a yummy, decadent recipe on Pinterest and figure out how to make it healthier. It's like a game to me!
What can I substitute?
How can I keep the awesome flavor and add health benefits?
You'd be surprised how many delicious "bad" recipes are out there that can actually be good for you!
Have a buddy.
It is SO much better working out when you have someone with you. You actually have someone to talk to...someone to get through the burn with...someone to keep you accountable. See if any of your relatives or friends want to be your workout buddy this holiday season. Maybe choose a day that works with both your schedules and make that your day. Plus, it's a nice way to keep each other in the loop of your daily goings on!
Make a plan.
Instead of going into these next few weeks with the laissez-faire idea of working out whenever you have time, make a plan. Even if you deviate from your schedule a bit between now and New Year's, you'll likely exercise more with an actual written plan rather than a more casual approach.
Be silly.
Dance it out! Crank up your favorite CD or Pandora channel and make it your private dance party! Dancing is SO good for you and it doesn't even feel like a workout! And all of those happy endorphins you release will keep you in the holiday spirit!
Write your resolutions early.
Think ahead to what you want your New Year's resolutions to be. Whether it involves running more or some other fitness goal, having that goal in mind as you head into the holidays might make it easier to stay on track so you start the year ahead of the game - not with an extra 10 pounds and a much lower fitness level.
Cut yourself some slack.
Yes, it's the holiday season and you're probably going to indulge more than usual, and that's okay (just don't forget to get back on track!) Beating yourself up over stuff just hurts you in the long run. Move your body. Enjoy your time. And allow yourself permission to have some wiggle room. It'll be okay...I promise :-)
