November 17, 2023 | Reading Time: 4 mins
By: Ariel Comeau
Discover how to navigate the holiday season without derailing your health and fitness journey. In this guide, we'll share simple and practical holiday health hacks to help you stay on track while savoring every festive moment.
In this article you'll find out how you can:
Step into the new year feeling energized and confident
Plan your holiday schedule for success
Enjoy holiday feasts without overconsuming
Sip your favorite holiday cocktails guilt-free
Prioritize movement during the holiday whirlwind
We are on the cusp of the most wonderful time of the year! And I have a confession to make … I am an absolute sucker for all things Christmas (Thanksgiving included, because we all know it’s the opening ceremony for Christmas)!
I love the trees, the lights, and even cramming way too many people into one small apartment to share a meal. I can’t help it. This season gives me all the feels!
But amidst all the merriment and anticipation, there's a reality we must address. If we're honest with ourselves, many of us are about to throw every health and fitness practice out the window from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.
Now, I’m not here to scold you for indulging in peppermint lattes or gingerbread cookies - trust me I’ll savor a few myself. However, I am here to equip you with tools to ensure you don't undo all the progress you've made and the habits you've cultivated this year.
Here Are 5 Holiday health Hacks To Keep You On Track
The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind that bounces between end of year deadlines, holiday parties, and endless family gatherings.
As we approach the new year, my goal is for you to begin it feeling revitalized and well-prepared. But remember, unless you actively manage your schedule, it may end up managing you, leaving you drained and demotivated at the start of 2024!
Holiday Hack #1: Plan in Advance
Designate a specific day each week (I prefer Sundays) to sit down with your calendar. Think about all the upcoming events and schedule two crucial things: 1) your workout sessions, and 2) your non-negotiable health habits (like grocery shopping or setting reminders for daily breathwork). Remember, if you don't prioritize yourself, no one else will.
High achiever, listen up, this is not the time to set the bar even higher. Please don't attempt to start training five days a week, adopt an elaborate morning routine, and meditate twice a day this month if these are not rock solid habits you already possess.
Holiday Hack #2: Focus On One Habit
Choose just ONE new habit to concentrate on this month. While this principle always applies at RMS, it's especially relevant now. The risks of an all-or-nothing mentality, which many busy professionals have, are even greater this month.
If you set unattainable expectations and fail to meet them, you're more likely to abandon your entire plan (which may lead to you finishing Santa’s cookies before he ever gets a bite). Remember, success breeds motivation and confidence, so follow this equation:
One small habit + daily consistency = remarkable results + increased confidence for your the new year
Lately, I've been pondering the idea of moving toward rather than away from things. Regarding nutrition, I want you to think about how you can better nourish yourself instead of restricting. This season should be about fulfillment, but let's fill ourselves with things that satiate and energize us first.
Holiday Hack #3: Tune Into How You Eat, Not Just What
Imagine how you'd feel after a meal if you simply changed the way you eat. I encourage you to savor your food slowly and mindfully. With so much delicious home-cooked fare on your table, take the time to truly enjoy every bite. Slowing down signals to your body when it's satisfied and aids in digestion.
Start with veggies; aim for two fist-sized servings. Veggies break down quickly, allowing for better nutrient absorption and protecting your gut from absorbing too much glucose (sugar) too rapidly.
Then, enjoy your protein. It satisfies and keeps you feeling full. Finally, savor the carb-rich, sugary treats—but chances are, if you've followed these steps, you'll consume far less of them. Our goal isn't deprivation; it's nourishment.
Now we all know this time of year can get a bit boozy! Who doesn't love a festive, mulled wine or hot apple cider? The problem is these calories can add up quickly without us even realizing it. A single hot apple cider can cost you 269 calories and 26 grams of sugar! I often advise clients to adopt a simple practice during the holiday season or a vacation:
Holiday Hack #4: Establish Alcohol Guardrails
Set a limit—whether daily or weekly—and stick to it. If you hit your weekly limit in one night, consider abstaining for the rest of the week. This isn't about telling you how much to drink but offering a tool for accountability and awareness to help you stay in control.
The period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day often feels like a vortex where we lose track of time and space. It’s a magical yet perilous time for our health and wellness. Here's your final holiday hack to keep you from getting sucked in:
Holiday Hack #5: Move First and Foremost
To bring a sense of normalcy to this period, start your day with movement. Go for a walk, bask in natural light to preserve your circadian rhythm, do a morning yoga flow, or hit the gym before everyone else wakes up. Regardless of your choice, make movement a priority. It will energize you, free your mind from later obligations, and ensure those happy hormones accompany you through this wonderful time of year.
As we immerse ourselves in the joy and celebration of this festive season, let's not forget the importance of self-care and movement. The holidays are about more than indulgence; they're about cherishing our health and well-being.
By implementing these simple yet impactful holiday hacks, you can fully enjoy every moment—from Thanksgiving feasts to New Year's toasts—while maintaining the progress and balance you've worked so hard to achieve. Here's to a holiday season filled with joy, health, and countless happy moments, setting the stage for a vibrant and prosperous New Year.