By Coach Nadia Popova
The holiday season is a time of joy. It’s all about celebrating and spending quality moments with your loved ones. However, oftentimes, it also involves indulging in savory meals and sugary treats, leading to subsequent unwanted weight gains, digestive discomfort, and regrets. But maybe this year, things can be different? In this post, I want to share with you some easy-to-follow tips on how to make your holiday season healthier for you and your family.
- Cook and Bake Your Own Treats One way to make your holidays healthier is by taking control of what goes into your meals and treats. Instead of buying high-sugar, high-fat goodies, opt for homemade versions. This way, you can choose the ingredients and their amount and stick to healthier options such as, for example, natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia if you want to cut more calories. You can also replace refined wheat flour with rice, almond, or other healthier flour, and so on. If something can be roasted instead of fried or deep-fried – go for it, and aim to choose a healthy cooking option. Most of the time, the dish won’t even lose taste. On top of that, cooking and baking your meals and treats is not only healthier but also can be a fun family activity!
- Come Up With Fun, Active Family Activities Most of the time, holiday festivities encourage a sedentary lifestyle, with lots of time spent indoors or at the dining table in front of a TV or gadgets. To make your holiday season healthier, plan a family walk, hike, or other outdoor activities such as snowball fights, scavenger hunts, and so on. Alternatively, you can organize a friendly dance competition in the living room. Staying active not only helps burn extra calories but also creates memorable family moments. Who knows, maybe you will even establish a new active holiday tradition!
- Stay Hydrated The holiday season doesn’t mean that you can temporarily forget about your healthy habits, such as drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. Remember to stay hydrated and encourage your family too. How? I recommend keeping a pitcher of water with slices of citrus or cucumber on the table. Such a beverage looks pretty festive and refreshing, encouraging people at the table to pour themselves a glass.
- Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep The holiday season often disrupts regular sleep patterns with late-night parties and festivities. Ensure that your family gets enough rest by trying to follow a consistent sleep schedule nevertheless. Quality sleep helps regulate appetite and contributes to better overall health.
- Lead by Example Your actions have a significant impact on your family’s choices, especially if you are a parent or are the one to host the celebration. Be a role model by demonstrating a balanced approach to holiday indulgences. Your positive example will inspire your loved ones to make healthier choices, too!
By implementing these strategies, you can create a holiday season that is not only festive and joyful but also healthier for you and your family. It’s all about finding the right balance between celebration and well-being, ensuring that the memories you make during the holidays are cherished for years.
Happy Healthy Holiday Season!
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