Many people tend to take a small back seat to their fitness goals with the holiday season on. And as we know, Christmas is a time, most of us overindulge and go a little extra on the goodies. From doing excess shopping for our loved ones, spending loads of money, and eating way too much. Once the holiday seasons are over, we are a little rounder in the belly, and our wallets are much thinner – like they have been training through the season.
So how about doing it a little differently this time around? These are some of the top tips for keeping the family fit over the holidays.
Keeping The Family Fit Over The Holidays With These Simple Tricks!
If you are worried about all the calories that you and your family will be consuming over the next few months – don’t worry, you can keep the guilt and the excess weight off with the following tricks.
Try to keep Up With Your Activities
Try and maintain the same routine you have been doing before the holidays; if the gym is not accessible at this time, there are different ways you can keep moving and stay active. Start your day with a bike ride around your community or brisk walking.
If you are doing some aerobics and kickboxing, don’t take a break from this. And after a huge dinner, how about rounding your family together for a simple family walk? It is another great way to get your family to bond.
Ensure You Are Not Skipping Any Meals
Christmas holidays mean going to several parties and frequent visits to family and friends. Being up and about can make you skip a meal because you already know you will feast at the party. But this causes more harm; you might think skipping a meal will compensate for how much you will eat later, but rather overeating will make you feel hungrier later on, thus leading you to overeat again. Even when attending a party, try and ensure you have eaten a balanced meal, and at least three meals a day.
Try And Incorporate Some Sports In Your Holiday Activity
Christmas hangout doesn’t have to be in the house, sitting on a couch, and chatting away; how about having a fun activity like football, some cricket, or even having some fun with your Frisbee? A great way to keep the bonding sessions fun while keeping your family active through the season.
Try And Eat Less
The holiday season is about munching on something every five minutes, from the yummy cookies, cakes, and treats to the roasted potatoes, meats, and sausages. And at the end of the day, we have consumed so much that it will later reflect on our bellies. So how about trying to eat less but more often, snack on a few things, and watch your portions? You can still enjoy these yummy treats but in a more controlled manner.
Ensure You Are Managing Your Indulgences
This is the one time of the year when you can eat all these yummy treats without someone making you feel guilty, and at times this leads us to overindulge. So how about you manage and balance your snacks? You can overindulge but at controlled portions and try to eat slowly as you savour the treats.
Food Hacks for Keeping the Family Fit Over Holidays
Yes, it is true that the holidays are all about having lavish lunches and dinners with your loved ones. But it is also your responsibility as the parent or the guardian to ensure the health of your family (and you, the planner) does not go for a toss!
So, here are my food hacks that I’ve been following for the past couple holidays – with no one noticing! The joy and spirit of the holiday remain intact while my family enjoys the meal just the same!
Check out this list for all the healthy swaps you should try this holiday season:
- Replace sugary drinks with water or warm tea. Beverages with high amounts of sugar also come with calories that can add to the holiday guilt.
- Add fruits instead of cookies or cupcakes: It help nourish the body and keep sugar spikes away. Grab some seasonal fruits or use frozen ones to make a frozen dessert using Greek yoghurt.
- Replace unhealthy side dishes with vegetables or dips made with vegetables. Replace unhealthy processed dips with freshly made ones that are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Instead of mashed potato this Thanksgiving, try mashed cauliflower which is unrecognizable (make sure your kid does not read this article!) Use whole or 2% milk and low-fat cheese.
These healthy swaps will help you improve your family’s health over the holidays without losing the holiday spirit.
Conclusion
Holidays are a time to bond with family and friends and a time for your taste buds to bond with new foods and treats. You don’t have to worry about the calories as you have just the hacks for keeping the family fit over the holidays.
While you enjoy scrumptious meals that are easy on the body and long-term health, make sure your family isn’t stuck to the sofa the entire time.
Plan family activities and have a fun time still!
Happy Healthy Holidays!
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