Ready or not, the holiday season is officially here! We all know the holidays are full of joy, love, and, let’s be real—a lot of tempting treats and distractions that get you out of your healthy routine. But if you’re like me, you want to enjoy the season without completely derailing your goals. So let’s talk about some easy ways to stay on track and even give yourself a head start for the new year!
Set Realistic Goals for the Holiday Season
First things first—set yourself up for success by setting realistic goals. The holidays aren’t the time for extreme diets or intense fitness challenges, but keeping up with a consistent routine can make a huge difference. If you usually work out four times a week, aim to maintain that. If you’re used to making balanced food choices, stick to it but allow yourself to enjoy the holiday meals in moderation. Keeping your goals achievable is key to staying motivated and feeling good. Every November, I notice an uptick in attendance at BODYROK because most of our clients want to look and feel good through the holidays. Staying on track during the holiday season helps you to feel empowered about achieving your goals for the coming year and ending this year on a high note.
Prioritize Healthy Choices Without Deprivation
Let’s be honest—there’s no way we’re skipping all the holiday treats! Instead of saying “no” to everything, choose the indulgences you really love. Savor those moments and balance them out with nutritious meals and snacks. This way, you won’t feel deprived, and you’ll still enjoy the season’s treats without overdoing it. I try to stick to the 80-20 rule during the holidays or if I am on vacation where you eat healthy/nutritious foods 80 percent of the time and then balance it with your favorite treats the other 20 percent. For the 80 percent part, I try to focus on drinking lots of water, starting the day with fresh fruit and/or a green juice for an alkaline foundation, prioritizing hydrating raw leafy greens and vegetables, limiting grains and alcohol.
Keep Moving, Even in Small Ways
Staying active doesn’t mean you have to be in the gym every day. Taking a winter walk, a family hike, playing pickleball with friends and family, or an at home holiday-themed workout video can get the job done during the holidays. Even short activities can help keep your energy up and your mind focused. Movement doesn’t just keep you physically fit—it’s also a great stress reliever during the busy holiday season. My routine generally consists of walking, Pilates, lifting and yoga. During the holidays I often don’t make it into the gym to lift and instead, I try to incorporate more walking and yoga to maintain my sanity during the holiday season. The holiday season can be difficult and there are many that don’t feel joyous about it. The holidays can be stressful and cause a lot of pressure. It can be particularly difficult for people that have experienced loss. So whether you are stressed trying to put on the holidays for your family or you have experienced loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship or the loss of how Christmas used to be (no longer having young children at home); I find that yoga, walking and some breathwork/meditation go a long way toward helping calm the nervous system and get through the holiday season.
Reflect on Your New Year’s Goals Early
November is usually a time of reflection for me. I like to take inventory of what I have accomplished so far this year and evaluate what I did well and identify areas where I could make some improvements. I don’t wait until January because I like to try to end the year feeling accomplished and in a good headspace about tackling the holidays and the new year. November is a great time to start thinking about your goals for the new year. Take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve next year and set a few realistic intentions and then a few lofty goals. By starting to visualize your goals now, you’ll be more motivated to stick to them once January hits.
Practice Mindful Eating and Drinking
With all the delicious foods and festive drinks, it’s easy to go overboard. Try practicing mindful eating—slow down, savor each bite, and listen to your body’s hunger cues. The same goes for holiday cocktails. Enjoy them, but don’t feel pressured to have one after another. Moderation is key, and mindful choices can help you enjoy the festivities without feeling overstuffed.
Finding Joy and Balance This Holiday Season
The holidays don’t have to be all or nothing. Enjoy your favorite traditions while keeping your health and wellness goals in mind. By staying consistent, keeping a balanced approach, and starting to think about your new year’s intentions, you’ll feel amazing heading into January. Let’s stay on track together and make this season one of joy, health, and balance!
