How to keep your health goals during the hectic holidays

It’s that time of year again! The busy, hectic holiday season! For many of us, this usually includes making less healthy food and beverage choices, which can lead us to losing sight of our health goals. From Halloween through New Years, fatty foods and indulgences seem to meet us at every gathering, grocery trip and everywhere in-between. Yet, these months do not need to derail your health goals or diet. With appropriate strategies in place, you can meet your health goals while still enjoying the holidays.

Get enough sleep

Adequate amounts of quality sleep is essential to optimal health and well-being. If you are feeling run-down, struggling to focus, or feeling irritable for no clear reason, you may want to look into your sleep patterns. During the holiday season, many people forgo sleep and overextend themselves to attend all of the holiday get-togethers and get that holiday shopping in. Getting a good nights sleep will also help you avoid poor eating choices the next day

Stay hydrated

 The first thing I do every morning is drink 12-16 ounce of water. After all, we do wake up dehydrated since we are sleeping without any water going into our system! A good rule of thumb to follow is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces every single day! For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking at least 75 ounces of water a day. Not a fan of plain water? Doctor it up with lemon, lime, cucumber or any of your favorite fruits! Most of the time when we feel hungry, we are actually just dehydrated so always drink some water first! Especially before holiday meals and parties!

Practice the 80/20 Rule

One popular approach to holiday health is the 80/20 rule, where 80 percent of choices are healthy and smart, and 20 percent are fun and indulgent. It’s a way to feel fulfilled and enjoy some special treats without totally derailing your lifestyle. You can also apply it to your plate: 80 percent of what you pile on is healthy (roasted vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains), and 20 percent is whatever you want!

Fill up on veggies

Vegetables are a great source of fiber which works to fill you up and most vegetables are low in calories. Vegetables contain phytochemicals which are special compounds working to protect and repair cells from damage, help lower cholesterol, keep vision healthy and more! Also, vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals all playing a unique role in the body for everyday function and health!

I always start every meal, especially when I am eating out at a restaurant, with a small salad or simple vegetable soup. Getting your veggies in this holiday season first and foremost will prevent you from diving into the cheese tray over and over!

Move your body

It is important to move your body multiple times a week. Not an avid exerciser? Even walking outside a few times a week is good for you and gets your blood flowing! Working outside in your garden and playing with your kids count too!

Already have something you love to do that gets your heart rate up? Stick to it instead of trying something new and getting overwhelmed. The classics are always good for moving your body: go for a walk with your dog, take a hike, or jump on your bike!