How To: Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Even just after Thanksgiving last week, I definitely need to get back on track with healthy eating and my usual workout schedule. The holidays are definitely a fun and exciting time of year but they can also be unhealthy with the amount of sweets lying around (hello Christmas cookies) and a lack of working out (who wants to work out when I could be sipping a Peppermint Mocha and watching Elf?).

It is possible to be healthy during the holidays and not go crazy at the same time. I am a firm believer in balance and not depriving yourself (so I will not be telling you to never eat cookies again around here ever).

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Schedule in workouts

With a busy calendar, it can be hard to find the time to workout. Sitting down at the beginning of the week and scheduling all of your workouts, whether it be signing up for classes or just scheduling 3-4 PM at the gym on Monday, is such a great way to prioritize working out in your schedule

Splurge only on what you love
The holidays always has a plethora of treats available and odds are, you probably don't love everything available. If shortbread cookies aren't your favorite, don't waste your calories eating multiple shortbread cookies just because it's there

Park farther away
Whether it's at the mall or just at school or work, park your car a little farther away from the entrance than usual. Even though it may not seem like a lot, it certainly adds up and gives you a few extra minutes of walking.

Drink lots of water
Some drinks, such as soda, have a lot of sugar and calories in them, which adds up quickly! Water is zero calories and so important to your body so it is so essential to make sure you're drinking enough water (I typically try to shoot for half my body weight in fluid ounces)

Balance the Treats

If you're going to a Christmas party later in the day, today probably isn't the best day to have Chick-fil-a for lunch. It's totally okay to splurge on your favorite holiday drink from Starbucks but maybe you should opt for a healthier dinner later on. Balancing the not-so-healthy with the healthy ensures that you're eating somewhat decently

Keep Consistency
If you regularly go to the gym three times a week, try to keep that the same during the holidays. If you normally wake up at 6 AM, this probably isn't the best time to start waking up at 5:45. The holidays are busy enough so I would try to keep what your body is used to as consistent as possible (within your control of course)

Sleep!
The holidays are always a busy time of year and sometimes sleep is put to the wayside. I recently watched a documentary in my AP Psychology class about sleep deprivation and it was so interesting how sleep deprivation, even in just an one week time period, affects your body. Even though it may be hard, allow yourself to get your 7-8 hours every night and you will feel so much more energized because of it

How do you stay healthy this time of year? Let me know in the comments!