Written By The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s a time of joy, love, and cheer, it can also be a time of overindulgence and unhealthy habits. Fear not! We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you navigate the holidays with ease. From effective workouts that won’t disrupt your busy schedule to delicious meal prep ideas that will keep you on track, we’ve got everything you need to stay healthy this festive season. So put down those Christmas cookies and get ready for some expert tips on how to make this your healthiest holiday yet!
Why a Healthy Holiday Season is Important
A healthy holiday season not only makes you feel great, but it can also boost your health in many ways. Here are some of the benefits:
1. It Can Help You Stay Fit and Healthy throughout the Year
It’s no secret that staying physically active is important for overall health and well-being. But when it comes to holidays, staying active doesn’t have to stop just because the day is over. There are plenty of ways to stay active and get your blood pumping while enjoying the festivities! For example, consider taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or park near your home. Or sign up for a holiday fitness challenge like the Polar Bear Plunge at your local pool. And if you want to get serious about your workout regimen, try one of these 12 HIIT workouts perfect for holiday workouts!
2. It Can Improve Your Mood and Mental Health
Staying physically active has been shown to improve mood and mental health in a number of ways. Getting exercise releases endorphins, which are “happy hormones” that can help reduce stress levels and promote feelings of well-being. Plus, exercising regularly has been linked with improved cognitive function, including better memory recall and faster thinking skills. So whether you plan on hitting the gym or simply walking around the block once or twice, making this time into something special could help you feel more relaxed and content during the holidays!
3. It Can Help Reduce Risk Factors for
The Top 30 Healthy Holiday Recipes
Looking to stay on track this holiday season? Here are the top 30 healthy holiday recipes to help you do just that!
1. Spaghetti with Veggies and Minced Meatballs
2. Roasted Winter Vegetables with Garlic and Olive Oil
3. Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Sauce
4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dip
5. Quinoa Pilaf with Kale and Sausage
6. Pesto Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
7. Healthy Chocolate Cake with Coconut Cream Frosting
8. Gingerbread Cookies with Eggnog Frosting
9. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
10. Turkey and Vegetable Meal Prep Lunchbox Recipe
11. Thai Red Curry Mussels in Coconut Milk Curry Broth
12. Gluten-Free 12-Hour Roast Beef Dinner Rolls (with Homemade Gravy) 13. Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole 14.. Taco Salad Bowls (vegetarian or chicken versions) 15.. Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Ham and Apple Cider Glazed Fried Apples 16.. One-Pot Spicy Black Bean Brown Rice 17.. Cuban Black Beans Poppers 18.. Healthy Chocolate Pie 19.. Smoky Vegan Chili 20.. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks 21.. Loaded Potato Soup 22.. Easy 25 Minute Holiday Cranberry Sauce 23… nutrient dense, vegan stuffing mix 24…. oven roasted turkey breast 25…. pumpkin puree 26…. quinoa
3 Tips for Fighting Holiday Weight Gain
1. Make sure to pack healthy snacks with you on your travels – including healthy holiday recipes!
2. Stay active and enjoy plenty of physical activity throughout your holiday season – it will help to keep you energized and reduce stress.
3. Pre-plan your meals and make sure to include nutritious foods in your holiday meal plan – this will help you stay on track and avoid overeating later on.
How to Make It Easier for Yourself to Stick to a Healthy Diet during the Holidays
In order to make the holidays as healthy as possible, it’s important to stick to a diet and exercise plan. Here are three tips to help make your holiday season easier:
1. Start planning your meals ahead of time. This will allow you to have more control over what you eat and avoid temptation. Try packing your own food or ordering in from restaurants that have healthier options.
2. Stay active during the holidays. Take walks with family members, go for a bike ride around the neighborhood, or take part in some other activity that you enjoy. Even 10 minutes of activity every day can make a big difference!
3. Quit smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol if you can. Both of these habits are harmful on their own, but they’re especially bad for your health when combined with a poor diet. If you cannot stop smoking or drinking altogether, try to cut back as much as possible during the holidays.
5 Tips for Staying Sane during the Holidays With Family and Friends
1. Make a plan
Whether you’re hosting or attending a holiday gathering, it’s important to have a plan in place. That way, you can relax and enjoy yourself while also staying on top of things. By creating an outline of what you’ll do each day, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
2. Focus on your own needs
While it’s great to spend time with family and friends during the holidays, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Make sure to schedule in some time for yourself every day so that you can recharge and get ready for the new year.
3. Stay active
Activity is key when it comes to keeping your sanity during the holidays. Try doing something fun outdoors with family or friends, go for a walk or jog around the block, or take up a new hobby like painting or golfing. And don’t forget about exercise at home either – try yoga, Pilates, or meditation techniques to de-stress and reset your mind and body!
4. Eat well
One of the most important parts of keeping healthy during the holiday season is eating right. Make sure to pack healthy snacks and meals with you wherever you go so that you don’t have to worry about making quick food choices in front of others (or fighting over leftovers). And if dining out is unavoidable, order something light and healthy instead of making a big dinner commitment.
The last thing you want
