The holidays can be a real test for any healthy routines that we have been building and cultivating all year long. And all those cookies in the break room and patient supplied goodies do not help. Instead of throwing our healthy habits out the window this season, let’s find healthy and smart ways to nourish our bodies while still joining in on the celebration and having some fun. Follow these five tips for enjoying the holidays while staying healthy.
Eat regularly throughout the day.
Keep your appetite and blood sugar stable throughout the day with healthy meal choices and snacks. Avoid sugary snacks, especially in the morning, and choose a protein-rich breakfast along with regular, healthy snacks so you won’t be tempted to binge from that candy dish on your co-worker’s desk.
Stay hydrated.
Drinking lots of water has many benefits, including preventing fatigue, keeping skin looking fresh, assisting with kidney function, and curbing cravings. It may be hard to get the recommended amount of water while working at a busy medical office but it is essential to try, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you notice a craving for junk food use that as a reminder to drink a full glass of water. Then, reassess your craving before indulging.
Snack smart.
During the holiday season, there will be a plethora of unhealthy snack choices everywhere around the office. Going in unprepared is just setting yourself up for disaster. Dive headfirst into your day armed with healthy versions of sweet treats so you can avoid overindulging. Some good choices are trail mix, banana mug cake, homemade granola bars, almond date truffles, or any of the BarkTHINS snack choices.
Keep your routine.
Let’s face it, the spontaneity of the holidays can shift our normal schedule and it’s difficult to stay on track. Most people thrive on routine and it helps them maintain their healthy habits. Try to keep as much structure as possible; meal plan, eat regularly, keep your fitness routine, and wake up and go to bed as consistently as possible. While there will be some deviations to your routine this busy time of year, the more you stick with your typical schedule the easier it will be to make healthy choices.
Treat yourself.
Studies show that when people crave a particular food and prevent themselves from eating this food, it can have reverse effects. This may be because when people crave something, they tend to overeat other foods to satisfy their cravings. Or they deny themselves so much that when they decide they can have a little, they end up binging. Therefore, treating yourself when you experience a craving for a particular food can help you stay on track. Just be smart and slightly cautious about your choices.
Although food is an essential part of the holidays, make sure your focus is on your patients, co-workers, and friends. This is the time of year for thankfulness and good cheer, not for counting every calorie. If balance and moderation are your standard guidelines, it’s okay to indulge once in a while. While it’s important to stay on track during the holidays, it’s also important not to obsess over the small things.
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