Prioritize Yourself This Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of joy and generosity, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between shopping for gifts and preparing festive meals, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being. This often leads to skipping mindful movement and grabbing meals on the go.

While it’s a season to care for others, don’t forget to care for yourself too. Incorporating regular exercise and being mindful of your eating habits can help you stay energized and stress-free during this busy time.

Smart Snacking Tips

Holiday prep can lead to frequent trips to the snack cabinet, but snacking doesn’t have to derail your health goals. In fact, smart snacking can support your body, especially if you’re adding more exercise into your routine. Here are a few tips to keep snacking balanced and beneficial:

1. Stay hydrated. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Drinking water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and helps prevent mindless snacking.

2. Keep healthy options ready. Convenience drives choices! Prep fruits and veggies ahead of time to make them easier to grab. Store cut-up fruit with yogurt or veggies with hummus in a small container to bring along when you’re out and about. These snacks are satisfying and nourishing.

3. Snack, don’t substitute. Snacking should complement your meals, not replace them. Eating too much before a meal can leave you too full to enjoy a balanced plate. If you snack, aim for small portions.

4. Think food groups. Build a satisfying snack by choosing items from the five main food groups: fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean protein. Combining two or more groups can make your snack more filling and nutritious.

Adding Exercise to Your Routine

With busy schedules, fitting in exercise might seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are simple ways to move more during the holiday season:

• Break it into chunks. Squeezing in three 10-minute bursts of activity throughout the day is just as effective as doing it all at once.
• Switch it up. Mix moderate activities like brisk walking with higher-intensity ones like jogging to meet fitness guidelines.
• Schedule it in. Treat exercise like an appointment—set specific times to move and stick to them. Sign up for a class or try an online workout at home.
• Skip the gym. Exercise doesn’t require a gym membership. A good pair of sneakers and some motivation are all you need! Free online resources or DVDs from your local library can help you stay active indoors.
• Make it a group effort. Get moving with family or friends. Whether it’s a walk, yoga session, or active playtime with the kids, working out together makes it fun and keeps everyone motivated.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential. By choosing healthier snacks and finding time to move, you’ll feel more energetic, focused, and ready to enjoy all the holiday festivities. Remember: even small steps can lead to big benefits. Make yourself a priority, you deserve it!

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