I hope you’re having an amazing December so far! With all the fun and festivities, I know you want to truly enjoy yourself and feel your best doing it!
Here are some of my best tips to have a holly, jolly, and healthy holiday season. These are easy to incorporate into your schedule — between shopping for gifts, holiday parties, travel, family time, and everything else.
Stick to your morning routine
When you start your morning right, you’ll feel amazing for the rest of the day — no matter what comes up. Start your day with a glass of water before your coffee or tea, and keep sipping all day to get your 3-4 liter of water in. Don't forget your supplements, I like to take zinc, vitamin C and a good multivitamin to cover all the bases and keep me protected from any viruses out there.
For breakfast, fuel up with protein. Some eggs and oats or a quick protein smoothie with a handful of leafy greens and some fruit will help energize you and keep you satiated throughout the morning.
Build your meals around protein
Start your day with protein at breakfast and keep it going all day long. Add chicken, fish, or steak to a salad for lunch, and don't forget to throw in carbs (sweet potato, brown rice, or some butternut squash) and some healthy fats (olive oil dressing, avocado, or cheese). At dinner pick a protein and build the meal around that, add a non-starchy veggie or leafy greens, a small side of potato or rice, and another healthy fat to round it out. Think tacos, stir-fries, curries, or a nice steak.
Move every day — even if it’s short and sweet
Exercising first thing will rev your metabolism, boost your mood, and energize you for hours. Plus, you’ll get your workout crossed off your list before the day gets too hectic. Keep it simple if you are traveling, you can go outside for a walk or pack your bands and do a quick workout in an app or on YouTube. If you want to get to the gym, remember some gyms sell day passes, so this might be a nice way to get in a full workout and a change of scenery.
Plan ahead
Look ahead at your next two weeks and decide which meals you will enjoy off-plan and which meals you can stay on track with. Going out to dinner or over to a family members house, plan for those to be your free meals, to enjoy without guilt. Then try to stay on track with the rest of you meals for the week. One or two meals off will not deter your progress toward your goals. Plan ahead so you can enjoy a few treats without any guilt.
Plan your workouts too. Try to get it done first thing in the morning, so the busyness of the holiday season doesn't get in your way. You can add your workouts to your calendar to help remind you and keep you on track.
Get your zzz's
Sleep is so important for recovery, energy, and feeling our best. Don't skimp on sleep this time of year. If anything, we need even more sleep to fight off the viruses circulating out there. Get to bed on time and try to stick to your routine as much as possible (okay maybe not on NYE). It can wait until the morning and since you are going to get that workout in the first thing you will have all the energy you need tomorrow to finish wrapping those presents.
Enjoy, and indulge but don't overdo it
Did mom bake your favorite cookies? Don't overthink it or stress. Enjoy those treats, it's only once a year. Have one or two and savor it, then walk away. No need to overindulge and ruin your progress. Eating a small snack with protein (like an apple and some almonds) before you arrive will help you manage your hunger and not be tempted to overdo it. Enjoy without the guilt and get back to your plan tomorrow.
No matter what you’re up to this holiday season, remember to take it easy and show yourself some love. Get lots of sleep, enjoy all the cookies and wine, and take time for yourself. Tis the season for balance! xoxo, Kristi
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