Staying Healthy During the Holidays

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and Christmas and Hanukkah not too far away, this is the time of year when people’s diets begin to derail. Not only is there delicious food at family gatherings, but now that the weather is getting cold and the days are getting darker, there is little motivation to work out.

Need some help staying on track during the holiday season? Follow these easy tips.

1. Stay motivated.

Don’t let the cold weather or the lure of Christmas cookies leave you glued to the couch for the next couple of months. Next time you work out, remember how good it makes you feel. Exercise releases endorphins in your blood stream, which give you that “high” when you work out. Force yourself to put your sneakers on – you’ll thank yourself for it later!

2. Indulge without overdoing it.

You will not gain 10 pounds if you have a few holiday treats here and there. However, don’t give up after a set back. If you’re feeling guilty for sampling all of the desserts on the Thanksgiving table, forgive yourself and vow to eat better the next day. It only becomes a problem when you have a slice of pumpkin pie and think to yourself, “I’ve blown my whole diet. Might as well keep eating!”

3. Keep alcohol to a minimum.

With the celebratory spirit of the holidays, sometimes people who generally don’t drink frequently overindulge a bit at holiday parties. Think about this: 1 cup of eggnog has 343 calories; a hot buttered rum has 218 calories; and an Irish coffee has 218 calories. Not only does alcohol add a good number of empty calories for the day, but it also disrupts your sleep cycle, leaving you exhausted for more holiday festivities.

4. Be sure to get your 8 hours.

Many of us have a sleep debt, especially during the work week. Try to catch up on your Zs on the weekends, so you have plenty of energy for what can be a very tiring time of year. When you miss some hours of sleep, your body releases hormones that trigger excess eating and potential weight gain. Also, try to avoid late-night snacks. Not only could snacks high in fat derail your diet, but digesting food takes energy – which means your body won’t be fully rested when you try to go to sleep.

5. Beat the holiday blues.

Have you ever felt so much excitement during the holiday season that Christmas Day feels like a let down? Perhaps you are stressed because your in-laws are visiting or you are missing an estranged family member. Let’s face it – sometimes the holidays are not always a happy time of year! Learn to put yourself first – say ‘no’ to events, make plans with close friends, and certainly don’t pay attention to people bragging on social media. If you can’t seem to shake that blue feeling, research has shown that adding Vitamin D to your routine helps to boost mood (try a supplement or Vitamin-D fortified milk). Don’t feel ashamed to reach out for help either, whether it’s talking to a close friend or family member or making an appointment with a therapist. We all need a little help sometimes.

Kelly Peckholdt is the current owner of Positions Dance Studio in Babylon Village, as well as a certified Health Coach and Fitness Instructor. She is a lifelong dancer and fitness enthusiast and loves to share her passion for staying in shape! Interested in a free consultation? Call 669-8613.