It’s that time of year when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays—the celebrations, the traditions, the food, and maybe even a bit of stress. We're looking toward the New Year and reflecting on the past 12 months, possibly even making a mental game plan on how we’re going to tackle health and wellness in the year ahead.
But what if we started taking care of ourselves and those wellness goals right now?
Yes, right now—in the midst of all the holiday chaos!
Starting now instead of waiting until January can make a huge difference. After all, postponing healthy eating and self-care often backfires, leading to even bigger splurges and more weight gain over the holidays.
You know exactly what I mean. It’s that thought: “I’ll just indulge now and start fresh in January.” But then, after that first holiday gathering, it’s easy to let everything go. We think, “I’ve already ‘ruined’ my plan,” and let it become a free-for-all through the season.
But imagine if, come January, you’re already feeling great rather than tired and bloated. Research shows that those who focus on their health during the holiday season are not only fitter come New Year’s but experience less seasonal depression, stress, and insomnia.
Staying on track during the holidays is absolutely doable! Here are my top tips:
1. Park Further Away While Shopping
When you’re out holiday shopping, park at a distance. Every step counts, and aiming for 10,000 steps a day keeps you active. Wearing a smartwatch can help you track your steps, so you know how much you’re moving each day. Plus, parking further away means you avoid the stress of fighting for a closer spot!
Other ways to sneak in fitness: Take the kids ice-skating, go for a walk after a holiday meal, try window shopping at the mall, or sign up for a holiday fun run. Maybe some of these will even become new holiday traditions!
2. Bring a Healthy Dish to Gatherings
If you have a food sensitivity or follow a meal plan, bringing your own healthy dish is a no-brainer. Your host will likely appreciate the help, and others with dietary needs may benefit too!
Not bringing a dish? Scan the buffet or menu and make a game plan. Choose the healthiest options and fill your plate with those first.
Allow yourself one indulgence to avoid feeling deprived. Maybe it’s a glass of wine, a dinner roll, or a small dessert—but not all three. You’ll feel satisfied without derailing your progress.
3. Try Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting can be a great way to keep your blood sugar stable, allowing you to indulge on special days without guilt. There are various ways to incorporate it, so find a timing that works best for you.
Think of it like the 80/20 rule: Stick to your plan 80% of the time, and you’ll have room to enjoy 20% without major setbacks.
4. Prioritize Mindset, Meditation, and Self-Care
This season is about family, friends, and connection, not just food. By focusing on these things, you give food less power over your holiday experience.
Get your mind right, then take care of the rest of you: Meditate daily to stay centered, practice self-care by taking a walk, soaking in a hot bath, reading a book, or getting a manicure. These small acts help you recharge during the busy season and maintain your stamina to stay on track.
5. Set Positive Intentions for the New Year
Rather than focusing on what you don’t want, set positive goals. Remember, non-scale victories are just as important!
Examples of positive intentions: Commit to running a 5K, practicing self-care regularly, spending more quality time with loved ones, meditating for 15 minutes a day, or improving your flexibility. These give you more freedom and options than solely aiming to lose a specific amount of weight.
By following these tips, you’ll stay on track with your wellness plan throughout the holidays and start the new year ahead of the game. Set your intentions now—before Thanksgiving and the holiday season fully take over—and you’ll step into the new year already feeling great and ready for even greater success on your wellness journey.
If the holidays leave you feeling a little off-track and you're ready for a reset, you’re going to love our Drop a Dress Size (DADS) Program. In just 10 days, you’ll melt away stubborn belly fat, flush out excess water weight, and detoxify your body—all while reducing inflammation (perfect for those times you might indulge a little too much!.
The DADS Program is designed to get you feeling your best, with a nourishing hydration plan, custom at-home workouts that maximize results, and a proven nutrition and intermittent fasting protocol to keep you on track. It’s your perfect post-holiday reset for lasting results and a refreshed, balanced body.
