Five Tips to Help You Stick With Your Health and Diet Regimen During the Holidays

by Brenda Gimotea Depasupil / November 29, 2019

How can you keep from gaining pounds amidst all these parties?

The holidays are upon us! Everyone is looking forward to Christmas parties and celebrations with family and loved ones. The holidays, though, are also synonymous with ruined workout and diet plans. There is so much food available, and everyone is too busy with work and festivities to go to the gym. 

Most people simply forget about staying healthy during the Christmas season, and just vow to go back to pursuing a healthy lifestyle come New Year. “Let’s have a great time now and deal with the extra pounds next year!” they say.

But what if you don’t have to deal with anything at all next year? Or what if you can minimize the impact of all those rich holiday feasts? What if you can actually do something to maintain your health regimen and your svelte figure amidst all the wining and dining?

Well, wonder no more, because it is actually achievable! You don’t need to completely give anything up, whether it be rich food or your diet and fitness program, to enjoy the holidays and stay in shape! Here are a few tips on how to navigate the holidays while staying as healthy as you possibly can.

Be kind to yourself.

Staying healthy during the holidays is admittedly challenging. Staying healthy throughout the rest of the year is challenging, period. 

We are often hard on ourselves because living a healthy lifestyle often feels like wrestling with a beast. We should note, though, that the people who are able to sustain their diet and work out regimen are those who don’t beat themselves up after falling off the wagon – or shall I say the treadmill. The kinder you are to yourself, the easier it is to dust yourself off and get back on track. Forgive yourself for slipping up, and then continue on with your program. Go for progress rather than perfection.

Make plans in advance.

Success is more attainable with a plan. If you don’t make plans beforehand, you’ll be more easily swayed by whatever happens. 

It helps if you visualize your plans in your mind over and over again, getting comfortable with them and getting used to the idea of doing them. Visualizing is like mentally practicing whatever it is that you want to do. When the time comes for you to carry your plans out, you’ll be ready! Junk food and laziness will weaken their hold on you.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

A lot of the time, when we think we’re hungry, we are actually just dehydrated. Hunger and dehydration often feel similar, and that is why we tend to overeat if we are not used to drinking enough water. Moreover, drinking enough water tells your brain that your stomach is full and that you don’t need as much food as you usually would.

Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before every meal. This will make you feel full more quickly, and keep you from overindulging. Drinking water in between meals can also help minimize cravings for snacks and sweets.

Fill up on fiber, healthy fats, and protein.

When we eat a lot of empty calories, we don’t get the nutrition that our body needs. We may feel full right after eating a big meal, but we get hungry sooner in our body’s attempt to get enough nourishment.

Make it a point to fill up with food rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein when you are not at a party. This is also a good guideline for which items among the food selections available to choose at holiday celebrations. When your body is getting an adequate amount of nutrients, it will be easier for you to turn down that extra serving of rice, pasta, or dessert. A lot of the time, we really just need to listen closely to our body’s innate wisdom in order to stay healthy.

Keep your liquid calories to a minimum.

Liquid calories and sugar are more easily and quickly absorbed by your body. In addition, sweet drinks often pack a lot of sugar and calories even if they are generally less filling than solid food. A good rule of thumb would be to take your calories in solid food form, and to stick to non-caloric drinks like water, green tea, and black coffee. If you want to sweeten your drink, choose zero- or low-calorie sweeteners like stevia.

If you make a habit out of drinking mostly non-caloric drinks, especially water, in lieu of your usual iced tea or juice, you will realize that sweetened drinks are actually less hydrating, and even make you feel thirsty. You will realize that water truly is superior compared to any other drink if you are looking for refreshment.