5 Strategies For Staying Fit And Healthy During The Holidays

Fitness and nutrition are always important, even during the holidays. With all of the eating, visiting, and traveling, the special time of year is known for packing on the pounds and making us all fat and lazy. While some relaxing days with family or food indulgences with friends won't wreck the year, it is important to help your body stay healthy and keep up with the proper eating and exercising regimens. In order to beat the holiday fat blues, use a few important strategies to stay on track with healthy habits.

1. Don't forget walking shoes

When packing for holiday travel to visit friends and relatives, remember to pack walking shoes and exercise gear along with your party dresses, suits, and scarves. There will likely be down time during the stay in which you can get in a little bit of fitness and nutrition through aerobics, weight resistance, or yoga. If the itinerary is too tight for a formal exercise session, opt for physical group activities, like ice skating, building a snowman in an area park, or walking a festive local shopping center.

2. Portion control

It is easy for plates to become overly full at mealtime during the holidays. It is also easy to constantly graze all day, forcing your body to take in well over the recommended daily allowance for salt, sugar, and calories. A few tasty snacks won't do too much harm, so be sure to indulge with an occasional treat. However, keep the emphasis on it being occasional and as a special treat. If the treats take over, it is time to step back and give your tummy a rest.

3. Stay hydrated

With additional holiday cheer in the form of coffee drinks, cocoa, mixed drinks, and adult beverages, it can be easy to forget to simply drink enough water. Plus, the cooler, dry weather can also help make your body dehydrated. That can cause grumpy feelings, itchy skin, foggy thinking, and a host of other uncomfortable side effects. Medical professionals recommend that for proper fitness and nutrition, you drink several full glasses of water a day. If you are having trouble remembering to drink water, buy a festively decorated travel cup with a straw to keep full and with you all day.

4. Keep fruits and veggies in supply

Apples, pears, pomegranates, pumpkin, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and nuts are all in season during the holidays. Take an easy route to fitness and nutrition by keeping the kitchen stocked with these and other tasty snack treats. Plenty of unhealthy options will beckon you at the office and at celebratory gatherings, but at home, you can make smart and tasty choices.

5. There is always time to start anew

If you are half way through the holiday season and realize you've given very little thought to fitness and nutrition, then remember today is a new day. Hold yourself accountable and start with even 10 minutes a day of healthy activity. Once you start the habit, you will likely remember how good it feels to be strong. If you are having trouble sticking to it, get friends to join and support you, as a group healthy holiday activity.

Remember to check with your doctor before starting any treatment or medical remedy.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com