Healthy for the Holidays

 

It is definitely a challenge to remain focused on your health/wellness during the holiday season, BUT it is doable with some intention and planning.

In this blog we’ll discuss some strategies to manage the holidays and still feel amazing.

Here's what we’ll cover:

  • Mindset and Planning

  • Balanced Nutrition

  • Healthy Holiday Recipes

  • Staying Active

  • Alcohol and Hydration

  • Post-Holiday Recovery

Healthy Holiday Strategies

mindset / planning

Mindset Matters

Plan your workouts consider planning your workouts ahead of time. If they’re on your calendar, they’re more likely to get done

Plan your meals the actual holiday meals take place on a handful of days between Nov and January. Make a plan for the other days so you are not caught off guard - you’re way less likely to want to eat out or grab unhealthy options if you plan ahead.

Plan your party strategy have a plan ahead of time -whether you will eat and drink whatever is offered, or if you will have a snack prior so you aren’t starving. If you have three social gatherings in one week, will you splurge at all of them or just pick one?

Mind your mindset in life, there is no perfect, only progress. This applies to the holiday season as well - give yourself grace if you slip up. If you miss a workout or eat too many cookies, don’t beat yourself up over it. Just move on and make a plan to improve the next day.

 

Balanced nutrition - keep your routine

  • Breakfast - most important meal of the day. Be intentional about getting in a solid breakfast and lunch especially if you have an evening holiday party. This way, you won’t show up ravenous and ready to eat whatever is there. You can choose the healthier, protein-rich options and be satisfied.

  • Prioritize protein- it’s pretty easy to eat carbs and fat - but protein takes planning. Be sure to get protein and most meals especially during the holiday season.

  • Up your veggies - even if you are indulging in sweets and extra carbs, if you increase your veggie intake this can help with digestion and improve overall health. Veggies are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them incredibly nutrient-dense. And veggies are low in calories but high in fiber, which means they help fill you up without adding excess calories. By increasing your vegetable intake, you can reduce the likelihood of overindulging in less healthy holiday options.

 

incorporate healthy holiday recipes


  • Not So Devilish Eggs: Start with boiling eggs (or purchasing store-bought hard boiled eggs), remove the yellows and replace with hummus. Sprinkle with paprika and some green herbs. Voila!

  • Chocolate Tofu Pie: I have been making this dessert for my entire adult life. My girls request it - and it is SO SIMPLE!!

  • Veggie Shots: I love this simple appetizer for a gathering - simply fill small shot glass containers with your dressing of choice (pictured here is homemade ranch with kefir) and then cut matchstick veggies to act as dippers. Not only is it healthy, but also visually pleasing.

  • Whipped Sweet Potatoes: So easy, just cook your sweet potatoes (I like to microwave them) and then place in your blender (I use my vitamix for this) add some coconut oil, some cinnamon and some vanilla. Blend on high until they’re a light and fluffy whipped consistency.

 

Stay Active


  • Turkey Trot - we do this every year as a family. Some of us run, some walk, some scooter or skate board..but we get outside and move! Fresh air helps a ton too.

  • Keep your routine - My normal routine is to take 1-2 days off from exercising each week. Sometimes I choose to sleep in on a holiday and enjoy family time, but I am always eager to get right back on my normal schedule the next day!

  • Find activities for the whole family - as simple as a walk after a meal, or as involved as a family outing to the ice skating rink or the ski mountain…incorporating exercise into the holiday schedule is a great strategy.

 

Alcohol and hydration

  • Plan your indulgences -the holidays can be a slippery slope when it comes to booze. Every time you turn around, there’s another opportunity to cheers with a festive beverage. But just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to partake. I like to plan my indulgences and make it worth it! I will choose to have a cocktail or two on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but otherwise, I will limit myself to only the weekends during the holiday season. And, remember that a gin & tonic with lime looks a lot like a club soda with lime. No one has to know! Mocktails are becoming way more popular these days too - you can serve a festive beverage that tastes good but won’t leave you with a hangover the next day.

  • Keep your sleep patterns stable - alcohol is the number one thing that interrupts my sleep the most. I have an Oura Ring and an Eight Sleep Mattress and both will yell at me if I have had one too many. My sleep suffers…and since it’s important to me to be on top of my game, I will limit my alcohol consumption.

  • Water, Water, Water - staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your body. When I travel, I get really focused on water consumption. When I indulge in different foods / beverages, I increase my water intake. Flush the system and your body will thank you!

 

Post-holiday plan

Have a plan for the new year -I always participate in my 30 days to Healthy Living Program in mid-January as a reset after the holidays. I actually look forward to the experience each year. I usually will set a new fitness goal as well so I have something to focus on and actions to take right away.

Get some social things booked - In January, after all the lights and decorations are taken down, it can feel a little deflating. I love to get some girls’ nights or even a weekend getaway on the books so I have some fun things to look forward to.

 

Do you have some holiday healthy strategies? If so, I would love to hear about it! Email Me

Joan Dandeneau