Jingle All the Way to a Healthy Holiday
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and indulgences. While it is important to savor special moments with loved ones, it’s also important to prioritize your health and fitness. Even amidst all the hustle and bustle of gatherings and commitments with friends and family, keeping up with some kind of workout regimen will ensure you feel your best through the holidays and start your New Year strong!
It’s easy to get really busy during the holidays and forget to make the time for fitness. Exercising first thing in the morning is a great way to stay active and consistent. Making time first thing in the morning means you don’t have to worry about squeezing your workout in later when other commitments start taking priority and draining your energy. If you’re looking for a great online program that lets you work out in the comfort of your own home, my For the Young at Heart program offers dozens of exercise classes that take less than 30 minutes!
If early mornings don’t work for you, finding a few minutes to get your body moving is better than not exercising at all. Look for short periods of time during the day in which you can add in a few strength building or stretching exercises. Some great times to do this might be while you are cooking, cleaning the house or watching television. Here are some basic moves you can incorporate into your daily routine:
- Leg swings and/or leg lifts
- Tuck ups
- Side bends, pelvic rotations, and torso twists
- Lunges
- Squats
- Triceps dips (either against the wall or on the floor)
- Pushups (either against the wall or on the floor)
- Jumping jacks
- Seated or standing stretches the work both the upper and lower body
Another great way to sneak in exercise is during holiday shopping. Endless shopping trips for gifts or food are really blessings in disguise. These are great opportunities for you to boost your exercise routine and burn extra calories. It’s easy to add in a little exercise while you’re out and about. Start by parking your car on the outskirts of where you are going and walking to your destination. This is actually less stressful than searching for a close parking spot and you’ll get a chance to enjoy some fresh air and clear your mind. Once you’re out of your car, walk as quickly as possible (while keeping your safety and the safety of others forefront in your mind). You will burn more calories and accomplish more in less time (a double win!) Use the stairs whenever possible to kick up your fitness efforts even more and elevate your heart rate.
Another component of staying healthy during the holiday season is making sure you eat a well-balanced diet throughout the day. It’s easy to take in extra calories during this time of year with all of the holiday parties and festivities. There are so many delicious desserts, appetizers, and drinks to indulge in. Try and find a balance between treats and healthier options. Your food is your fuel. Not having enough fiber and protein in your diet can affect digestion and energy levels, which means you might not enjoy your holiday time as much. Look for fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein and complex carbohydrates, grains and nuts. A rule of thumb is the 80/20 split. You want to eat at least 80 percent healthy foods and the other 20 percent or so can be a treat or something that is not quite as nutritious.
Make this holiday season your healthiest one yet by staying focused on your health in small and meaningful ways. Sneak in little workouts whenever you can and remember to balance out that cup of eggnog with some fresh orange slices. Be sure to pamper yourself and have fun with friends and family. Enjoy this holiday season and be Healthy and Happy!
This article originally appeared in the Coastal View.
