Let’s dive into the nitty gritty by chatting 10 tips to help you stay fed and fit during the holidays!

Maintaining your Fed and Fit lifestyle during the holidays can seem like an uphill battle against an enemy army of well-meaning neighbors, grandmothers, and coworkers. It’s the season of giving and most giving in the American society revolves around food. What type of food do we gift most? The sweets!

So just when you thought that you’d dodged the Halloween sugar bullet, the holidays sneak up on you with a fresh load of sweet treats disguised by attractive wrappings and warm wishes.

Therefore, I’ve come up with a 10 tips to help you stay Fed and Fit during the holidays:

1. Don’t be ashamed to re-gift the sweets.

There’s no harm in thanking your neighbor or coworker for their gesture then passing the gift off to your local shelter, church, or sweet-hording friend.

2. Don’t sacrifice your workout schedule.

No matter what family is visiting or where you’ve traveled, stay true to your workout schedule and plan ahead. If you’re traveling, look up gyms, running trails, CrossFit boxes, and yoga studios in your destination city. Almost every single fitness facility has a drop-in policy and welcomes visitors. Think about all the neat people you could meet!

3. Don’t cheat on your diet during the day.

During the holidays, you will probably find your schedule bombarded by dinner parties, potluck lunches, and holiday cookies. Although they can be tempting, reserve your “cheating” to the special occasions. Make a rule for yourself that you will abide by your diet principles during every meal and snack that you can control.

4. Gift healthy foods to your family, friends, and neighbors.

Set a trend! I will soon post an example of great holiday gifts that will keep your loved ones fed, fit, and feeling cherished. Examples can include jerky, veggie chips, and roasted nuts.

5. Don’t deprive yourself.

I truly believe that the best diet rule is all things in moderation. If you have a love affair with cornbread stuffing or the holiday season red Oreo’s, then by all means, have some. Don’t feel guilty about it either. Enjoy a moderate serving and then bid them adjure until the next holiday season. If you deprive yourself too much, come January you’ll either be grumpy or guiltily binge eating every sugar and carb to cross your path.

6. Drink lots of water.

When you start to consume more sugars, starches, and fats that your body is not used to, it has a hard time keeping up. You may start to feel sluggish and craving even more sugar. One simple way to help your body keep up is to consume more water than normal. Although it can’t cancel out what you’ve eaten, it will help flush and reset your system. It’s simple to remember, the more bad things you eat, the more water you should drink.

7. Don’t eat 3 hours before going to bed.

Sound familiar? That’s because it’s effective. Cookies and milk, sorry Santa, (or like a few people I’ve met over the years, cheese and beer) minutes before lying down are a recipe for a slower metabolism and subsequent increased fat cell production. Pay attention to when you’re going to bed and cut yourself off. This, again, will help your body recover from the holiday goods.

8. Volunteer to bring a healthy dish.

If you’re going to a family member’s house for dinner or to your office potluck, bring something healthy. This way, you’ll know that at least one dish is “safe.” Don’t fuel the fire by bringing pastas and pies.

9. Spread the word.

Encouraging others to take a healthy approach to the holidays is a great way to help you hold yourself accountable to stay fed and fit during the holidays as well. Inspire others to not look at the holidays with the fear of regrettable eating choices, workout abandonment, and the looming bathing suit season.

10. Embrace the holidays for their true meaning.

Taking the emphasis off the food will allow you to refocus the meaning of the holiday season. It’s about spending time with family, friends, and celebrating the things most important to you. Health and fitness can be a part of that. So push the sweet potatoes and green bean casserole over and make room on your plate this season for a healthy attitude. Feel great about yourself and the choices you make. A healthy, happy you is the best gift you can give your loved ones.

I hope these quick and easy tips will help you stay fed and fit during the holidays!

Love,

Fed and Fit

fit during the holidays



About the Author

Cassy Joy Garcia, NC

Cassy Joy Garcia, a New York Times best-selling author, of Cook Once Dinner Fix, Cook Once Eat All Week, and Fed and Fit as well as the creative force behind the popular food blog Fed & Fit.


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