You Can Stay Fit During the Holidays

Being health-conscious doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holiday season and have a little bit of fun.  The big key to staying fit during the Holiday season is balance.  Everyone hears about the buzzword “moderation” during this time.  Well, it’s true.  Here are few tips to bring balance to your holiday agenda.

1. Balance Your Meals

Don’t fill up your plate with only the rich, high-calorie food. Instead, have a little of everything, but be sure to include lots of fruit and vegetables. That way, you’ll still be able to enjoy your favorite holiday foods as well as receive an array of important, healthful nutrients.

2. Be Cautious of Sugary Foods

Remember that rich, sugary foods have a way of making you crave even more rich and sugary foods. If you do have a craving for something sweet, try to satisfy it with a piece of fruit or a bit of dark chocolate, or take half a serving of that piece of pie that you just can’t resist.

3. Stock Up on Healthy Snacks

Planning ahead is the best way to choose healthy foods. When you go shopping, be sure to pick up some healthy snacking items. Keep plenty of fruits and vegetables on hand, such as carrots, celery, and apples; these can make a quick and easy snack in times when you feel tempted.

4. Moderate Alcohol Intake

Remember that your glass of wine or bottle of beer contains calories — and plenty of them. A 12-ounce bottle of beer has around 150 calories, and four ounces of wine carries approximately 100 calories. Try and manage the amount of alcohol you consume over the holidays, and be careful not to overindulge. There are a variety of lower-calorie beers and wines available that can help you manage your liquid caloric intake.

5. Eat Before You Go to Parties

Never go to a party or event feeling hungry. If you arrive to a party feeling really hungry because you have been “saving up” your calories all day, you risk being so hungry by the time you get there that you lose control over how much you eat. Instead, eat well throughout the day, eating small, healthy snacks like a handful of nuts or apple slices and peanut butter. And be sure to drink plenty of water.

6. Keep It Movin’

Don’t skimp on exercise during the holiday season. Not only will exercise help you deal with the added stress that accompanies family get-togethers and holiday planning, but staying active will burn the calories from those extra holiday indulgences.