With a house full of Halloween candy and a calendar filling with holiday events, it can be easy to let our nutrition and fitness habits slide this time of year. How many times have you thought to yourself, “oh, I’ll just get back on track in January, it’ll be my New Year’s Resolution.” But why put off taking care of yourself when you can enjoy the Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve events even while getting closer to your goals?
It can seem daunting, especially since most holiday events involve calorie-laden food and drinking.
The good news is, you can have your pumpkin and holiday goodies, and still balance a healthy lifestyle.
Check out our Fall Into Fitness tips to help you stay - or get back - on track!
1. Make healthy swaps. There are multiple ways you can do this. Make healthy swaps in your day-to-day to life to establish a healthy nutritional foundation. Besides being better for your health and weight goals, this is also better for your immune system - and may make you less prone to going off the rails when faced with holiday goodies. Focus your swaps on the addition of more healthy foods including lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables - especially in season ones! When fruits and vegetables are in season they tend to be richer in nutrients - and flavor! Some of our favorite fall foods include pumpkin (of course!), apples, pears, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and spaghetti squash. Not only are these foods low in calories, but they’re rich in flavor and versatile!
Another way you can make healthy swaps is in your own recipes! Social media and the web are full of fun, creative, healthier takes on holiday faves, give them a try!
2. Be picky about your splurges. From holiday parties to temptation in the break room at work, be picky about what you indulge in. Don’t waste your splurges on random goodies, prioritize the goodies that you really love. One way you can eat less of it is to balance it by eating something healthy and filling first. Either way, be sure to eat your sweets or other goodies slowly and mindfully. Ditch the phone, TV, and distractions and really savor the taste of your chosen splurges. You’ll likely eat less and enjoy it more as well.
3. Plan ahead! Pack healthy lunches and snacks for work, meal prep healthy dinners, and never, ever go to a holiday party or special event hungry. Instead, eat a healthy, filling meal before you go.
4. Enjoy the cooler temps with some outdoor activity. Take advantage of the cooler weather and create some new habits like taking after dinner walks, going for bike rides after work, or trying an outdoor fitness class like the ones at LunaFit in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
5. Take your vitamins. Unfortunately the Standard American Diet leaves a lot of room for nutritional deficiencies. This can impact our hunger levels, immune system, energy, mood, and more. Some common nutritional deficiencies include B vitamins B, vitamin C and D, calcium, magnesium, chromium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Probiotics are also a good nutrient to consider adding into your vitamin regimen. If you have any specific health concerns, be sure to consult with your doctor or nutritionist!
6. Eat regularly! This is a tip we recommend all year long. Skipping meals can cause blood sugar crashes that can leave you feeling stressed, tired, hungry, and cranky - all while wreaking havoc on your metabolism.
With the right habits and mindset, you can find yourself ahead of the curve with your health and fitness goals!
Did you know we offer virtual and in-person options for FITNESS, NUTRITION, and ACCOUNTABILITY? Contact us for a free consultation!
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