How To Stay Fit During The Holidays – Tips & Tricks (Episode 1)

It is that time of year, the season for holidays, traveling, and busy schedules and, of course, all of the holiday food and dessert. This time of year can be very fun, yet very hectic and it can be easy to let go of all of your healthy eating habits and to stray from your solid workout schedule. This year, I am bringing you some tips on how to stay fit during the holidays to make sure that you don’t fall completely off track, that way you can pick right back up after the New Year and head into 2013 feeling energized, ready & regretless about keeping fit and active throughout the holidays.

Tip #1: Stay Hydrated

With a crazy holiday schedule, abnormal daily rhythms and the increased amount of calories consumed, it is always important (today and everyday) to stay hydrated. Our body is 60% water and water is necessary for bodily functions like digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients throughout the body, regulation of adequate body temperature and production of saliva. But you don’t like water because it tastes boring? Add fresh berries or cucumber to your ice water to give it a deliciously subtle flavor that will keep you coming back for more. If you are traveling this season and your hotel or the home you are staying at does not have a gym, improvise and use your full water bottles as hand weights—and then drink up after you are finished.

Tip #2: Go For A Walk

Depending on your weight, you can burn up to 200 calories walking for an hour which can be an excellent idea after a holiday dinner instead of just melting into the couch. It’s important to keep active and stay moving during the holiday season.

Tip #3: Make Healthier Food Choices

Instead of having 3 slices of pie this year, try making a beautifully colorful fruit platter and serve with flavored Greek yogurt. Get all of the vitamins, nutrients and natural sugars from the fruit with some added protein from the yogurt. Another option is dark chocolate covered fruit. Dark chocolate has anti-oxidants and can actually be beneficial for you, presuming you aren’t eating it in tremendously large portions. Both these healthy dessert alternatives are fun, easy to make and can be a huge holiday party hit. Your skinny jeans will thank you.

Tip #4: Group games

Chances are, you will be with family, friends, neighbors and/or co-workers for holiday festivities. Instead of just watching T.V. or sitting around after your meal, play a group game like Twister. This is fun and really challenges your balance, stabilization and core control. Think this is just an easy game for kids, think again.

Tip #5: Hold A Plank

A plank is an excellent total body exercise that you can do virtually do anywhere! It takes the same amount of space to do a plank as it does to lie down, so why not tone, stabilize and work your core instead?

Have fun!
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