The upcoming holiday is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, food. While it’s easy to get carried away with the endless amounts of turkey, stuffing, and pie, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle on this holiday. Finding balance with health and fitness during holiday times can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips and strategies to help you enjoy your favorite foods while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
One of the biggest mistakes people make on holidays centered around big meals is skipping breakfast. Many people believe that if they skip breakfast, they will have more room for all the delicious food later on. However, this is a common misconception. Skipping breakfast will only make you more hungry later on, causing you to overeat and feel bloated. Instead, start your day with a healthy breakfast that is high in protein and fiber. This will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day, making it easier to resist temptation.
Stick to Smaller Portions
Thanksgiving is known for its oversized portions, but finding balance with health and fitness means sticking to moderate portions. You don’t have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods, but try to eat smaller amounts. Using a smaller plate can help you control your portion sizes, and it will also make your plate look full, giving you the illusion of a larger meal.
Fill up on Vegetables
Nutrient-dense foods are an essential part of a healthy meal, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Instead of loading up on stuffing and mashed potatoes, try to fill up on nutrient-dense foods instead. These foods are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent addition to your meal. Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, and sweet potatoes are all healthy options that are delicious and satisfying.
Stay Active
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s especially important on holidays. Staying active throughout the day can help you burn off some of the calories you consume and keep you feeling energized. Take a walk after your meal, or organize a family game of touch football. These activities can help you get moving and keep you active on this holiday.
Don’t Deprive Yourself
Deprivation is not the key to finding balance with health and fitness on this day. If you deprive yourself of your favorite foods, you will only end up feeling resentful and unsatisfied. Instead, allow yourself to indulge in moderation. Enjoy a small slice of pie or a serving of stuffing, but make sure to balance it out with healthier options.
In addition to these tips and strategies, there are other ways to find balance with health and fitness around the holidays. One way is to plan ahead. If you know that you’re going to be indulging in a big meal, plan to eat lighter throughout the week. This will help you balance out your caloric intake and prevent you from feeling guilty about your holiday meal.
Another way to find balance with health and fitness on a holiday is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day can help you stay hydrated and keep you feeling full. It can also help you avoid overeating and prevent you from feeling bloated.
Finally, it’s essential to be mindful of your food choices. Instead of mindlessly eating everything in sight, take the time to savor your food and enjoy each bite. By being mindful of what you eat, you can make healthier choices and find balance with nourishing foods and physical activity.
Here’s a cool workout just for the Holidays!
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