New Year’s Eve is just 2 weeks away which means holiday mayhem is upon us! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of sweet treats, open bar office parties and everything on your to-do list, here are 5 simple hacks for healthier holidays!
1. Don’t wait until New Year’s to start exercising. Frequent exercise usually drops to its lowest point in the month of December! This makes now the perfect time to get to know your way around a new gym, find an exercise class you love and introduce yourself to a new trainer. Less people will be exercising, which means you’ll get more attention and getting your foot in the door will give you a jump-start on those folks trying to make good on their New Year’s resolutions. Plus, exercising during the holidays is a great way to relieve stress and offset those extra holiday treats.
2. Plan one active outing for every holiday party. While you’re adding those cocktail parties and family dinners to the calendar, pencil one active outing into your schedule as well – like a holiday race, a family hike or sign up for a special workout class with a girlfriend before an evening out!
3. Sign up for a race in January. Whether you’re a walker, jogger, cycler, swimmer or triathlete, there are lots of races happening during the holidays. January races are great because training will keep you active over the course of the next couple of weeks. Sign up friends and family members for more fun, support and motivation!
4. Make healthy eats & exercise part of your routine. If you’re on a schedule during the week like I am, build as many healthy meals and workouts into your usual routine. This will give you a little wiggle room for those nights you have holiday parties, and an excuse to indulge or kick back and relax a bit more on the weekend! This lentil sweet potato stew is a great make-ahead meal for healthy dinners all week long.
5. Put new workout gear on your gift wish list. Nice workout gear really can make you feel better during a workout, and be an incentive to get you moving. Those breathable, comfortable and flattering fabrics can get pricey though, which is why adding them to your gift wish list is a win-win. Your friends and family will enjoy giving you the gift of better health and you’ll enjoy exercising more! These tights are a new favorite–oh and husband, I love this hoodie!
What tips or tricks do you have for finding a healthy balance this time of year?
PS. 5 other healthy hack ideas
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These are great tips! It’s so tempting to wait until January to pick up with workouts but I find keeping the momentum going makes it so much easier come the new year. Happy Holidays!
I live in those Bare to Run tights. They are amazing! I have 2 sets of the capris, too, hot pink and black. LOVE them! Also, I need to make this stew. Looks so delicious.
AMEN TO #1!
I always promote “start now!”
Great post! I’m totally into trying to stay as active over the holidays as possible, especially since the shorter, dark cold days make me considerably less chipper than when the sun is shining! Also, I love making the most of winter produce over the holidays – roasted squash, Brussels sprouts, and other root veggies are some of the foods I look forward to most!
I’m totally in that I’m-going-to-wait-till-January-to-workout phase, but I have been trying to walk a lot so I am at least active everyday. But, it wouldn’t hurt to throw in a few runs between now and the New Year – singing up for a race in January might be the perfect solution. Thanks for encouragement/ tips.
Love these tips!!!
Great post! I try to not let the holidays be an excuse for unhealthy eating or skipping the gym. Any time during December that I find myself saying, “I’ll start this January 1” I instantly correct myself and say, “No, I’ll start now”
Great tips! If I know I’m going somewhere where I’ll want to eat dessert, I plan ahead and skip dessert earlier that day.
Great tips! I’m planning out my healthy meals and workout schedule to fit around Christmas/new year at the moment. Planning is essential, otherwise, it will end in disaster haha!
I love these – especially #5. New workout gear is the BEST.
cute graphic. i always love when santa brings new exercise gear!