5 Easy Tweaks for a Healthier Holiday Season

1. Walk the dog Your dog, your parents’ dog, your aunt’s dog; it doesn’t matter. Getting outside for a 30-minute walk each day is a good way to g…

I love the holidays. And if I’m honest, it’s mostly because of the food. I mean, who doesn’t like eating?

The problem, of course, is that the holidays are a time for lots of eating and very little movement. They’re basically the perfect opportunity to undo all the great habits you successfully implemented throughout the year. There goes my waistline.

One wonders if there’s any other way to do things. Like do we really have to do the reverse of all our good healthy habits? Or is there a way to enjoy Christmas without the self-loathing over-indulgence brings?

I say yes. There absolutely is. There has to be. Here’s what we at Lifesum recommend you do to have a healthier Christmas and a happier new year.

1. Walk the dog

Your dog, your parents’ dog, your aunt’s dog; it doesn’t matter. Getting outside for a 30-minute walk each day is a good way to get a break from the family you don’t want to see or sneak away with those you do. It’s also exercise; so that’s a win.

2. Bring Tupperware

I think part of the reason we overeat at Christmas is because we only get to eat that food once a year, and it’s SO SO good. Instead of stuffing it all in the one day, as you fill your plate, save food in your Tupperware too. This way you’re guaranteed yummy leftovers, and your stomach doesn’t have to suffer for it.

3. DIY workout

Bring your gym shoes, your sports bra and running tights and a yoga mat. A quick 15-minute YouTube-led stretch in your room or a 20-minute jog around the block will make you feel better and incentivise you to make better food choices throughout the day.

4. Eat a proper breakfast

You know how you usually eat at home, when you eat a meal in the morning that keeps you full until around lunchtime? Eat that kind of breakfast over the holidays too. A solid, protein-rich meal will help you stay full and avoid unnecessary snacking.

5. Go easy on the booze

For some people, drinking is what gets them through the holidays. While we understand this, we don’t recommend it. Forgo the morning mimosas and limit your drinks to after midday, and 1-2 per meal to avoid both unnecessary calories and embarrassing yourself in front of the family.

Isn’t that refreshing? And not unreasonable? You could totally pull that off over the holidays.

What tips do you have for making the holidays a healthier time of year?

All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice. If you have or think you are at risk of developing an eating disorder, do not use the Lifesum app and seek immediate medical help.