Holiday Fitness Blues
How to Navigate Health & Fitness During the Holiday Season
When you think of the holidays, you might picture time with family, relaxation, and lots and lots of food. And while it’s the perfect opportunity to overindulge, you might want to reconsider what this does to your health and all the progress you’ve made thus far.
What many don’t realize is that just because you’re on a break from work,
school, or other responsibilities, doesn’t mean you must also take a break from health and wellness. A recent survey found that
79 percent of people overlook their health during the holidays, which includes diet, exercise, and rest.
No one’s saying you can’t help yourself to sweet treats or creamy mac n’ cheese at the table; but to do so mindfully and within reason.
We understand how difficult sticking to a health plan and regular workouts can feel around the holidays, especially if you’re new to fitness, and there’s no judgment here. We want to see you succeed and continue to be your best self no matter what time of year it is. So we’re going to go over a few tips on how to do so.
But first, let’s discuss some of the benefits of staying consistent with your fitness journey during the holiday season.
The Benefits of Being Consistent Throughout the Holidays
- Get Ahead of the January 1st Crowd
The most popular time of year for gyms is right after the New Year. People have set their resolutions to becoming healthier and shedding the extra pounds, and they’ve all decided at the same time.
Luckily for you, you’re ahead of the curve because you’ve been staying consistent with your workouts and trips to the gym during the holidays. This only makes it easier to stick to your fitness routine and push through the times when you’d rather do anything than move a muscle.
2. Learn How to Balance Health with Family Time
Learning how to balance a busy schedule with family time
and staying healthy is no easy task. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes a second to get your ducks in a row and find a rhythm that works for you. But once you do find it, you’ll be set to stay healthy regardless of any situation, time, or place.
Committing yourself to staying consistent during the holiday season will prove to yourself that you do have what it takes to stick to your goals. You don’t have to abandon all the progress you’ve been putting in place just because you’re with family and friends. It’s the perfect time to practice balancing the two together and finding ways to make it work.
3. Value Fitness Year-Round
Many people are dedicated to the gym until it’s time for the holidays. Then weeks or months of progress go down the drain and you have to start from square one after the new year.
But what’s great about consistency during this time is that you’ll begin to value fitness as more than just something to do in your free time. Instead, you’ll see it as a lifestyle; something that comes to you naturally everyday no matter what time of year it is and what temptations lie ahead of you.
Health matters every single day; not just at the beginning of the new year.
Now that we know some of the essential benefits of prioritizing health year-round, let’s go over a few tips on how to navigate this hurdle around the holiday season.
How To Navigate Health & Fitness During the Holidays
- Set Realistic Goals
During this time, it’s important to set realistic goals so that you don’t set yourself up for failure during such a tempting time. Telling yourself you’re going to lose an extra 10 pounds over the holidays probably isn’t going to happen if you’re attending lunches and dinners every day for a week.
Strive to maintain the current fitness level you’re at rather than try to undergo a drastic change. Stay committed to preserving your progress to the best of your ability so you don’t see regression when the year comes to an end. And because the holidays can be a stressful, chaotic time, remember to prioritize
rest and recovery.
2. Start Early & Plan Ahead
The sooner you start to plan around the holidays, the less stressful it’ll be to make healthier choices. Coming prepared with your own snacks and protein shakes can be an easy way to get ahead of the unhealthy meals that await.
If possible, try to start your vacation days early so you can squeeze in a quick workout and hearty breakfast. This might be the only time of day you have to yourself, so making the most of it is essential, especially if you’re away from home.
You can also munch on something light before heading to family events where you know there will be a plethora of fats, oils, and sugars. This will cause you to feel less hungry so you’re less tempted to grab unhealthy spoonfuls for your plate.
3. Go For Proteins
The easiest way to make sure you stay on track with good eats is to
consume enough protein. This includes meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and much more.
Protein is an essential nutrient that helps repair muscle and bone tissue and maintain a healthy immune system, so it’s crucial to eat enough.
We recommend filling at least half your plate with proteins and vegetables to make up for what’s on the other side!
4. Make It a Family Affair
You don’t have to struggle with your fitness journey alone. If you’re with family and friends, it’s the perfect opportunity to get them involved in the fun.
Invite them to join you for a daily run, hike, or trip to the gym. Even if it’s something you don’t normally do together, you might find that you both enjoy it a lot more than you thought.
Having a workout buddy is also a great way to stay motivated when all you want to do is snack on the couch and watch reruns. It encourages you to stick with your plan and adds so much fun to the activity you choose to do together.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is probably the easiest habit to undertake during this time. If there’s sugar and carbs drying out your mouth, make sure to replenish your intake generously.
Proper hydration keeps your brain function steady and keeps you energized throughout the day, especially when you’re busy. You can also add electrolytes to your water for extra hydration and to
replenish lost minerals.
Join Us at Fitness By Maryam!
Any questions? Feel free to reach out to us via email, phone call, or stop by the gym for a tour! We offer both in-person and online Zoom classes so you can enjoy working out from anywhere you choose!
You can also check out our upcoming events for this month on Instagram at
@FitnessByMaryam.
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