8 ways to stay healthy over the holidays 8 ways to stay healthy over the holidays
Centr Team
20 Nov 2019
When the holiday season rolls around, it can be tempting to pack away all this “healthy lifestyle” business until the New Year, because what’s the point, right? It’s way too hard right now!
We don’t work this hard to not enjoy ourselves during the holidays. But we also didn’t work this hard throughout the year just to completely fall off the rails at the first festive roadblock.
So to make the most of all your holiday get togethers and keep your health and fitness journey on track, keep these eight tips in mind.
1. Seize the workout moment
Getting your workouts done might mean switching to a shorter session, or one without equipment so that it fits with your hectic holiday schedule. If you need some pointers on swapping workouts in Your Plan on the Centr app we’ve got you.
Our tip: Try getting your workout done first thing in the morning so you don’t miss out if things get frantic later. And if cousin Timmy has a new football he’s just raring to kick around, get out there and join in – once you start moving, adding on a few bear crawls and sit thrus is a breeze.
2. Pace yourself
It’s a big season, with a never-ending parade of parties, office drinks and family celebrations, so you don’t have to treat each one like it’s your last supper. Enjoy yourself, but take the time to savor those indulgences. If you know you’re prone to overdoing things, take the old “save room for dessert” literally and go easy on the pre-dinner snacks and cheese platter.
3. Go for balance (and not just on your credit card)
While you’re lapping up all those roast proteins, carbs and gravy, don’t forget to put some color on your plate. No, not candy canes – think bright and fresh fruit and veg. If you’re asked to bring a dish, go for a fresh Centr salad. So many to choose from! For something extra special, try your hand at Sergio Perera’s Baked Beet & Berries Salad with Goat’s Cheese.
A little planning can help you maintain your overall balance, too – like prepping your smoothie or overnight oats the day before.
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Make friends with Sergio Perera’s Baked Beet & Berries Salad with Goat’s Cheese.
4. Give yourself the gift of goodness
Don’t deny yourself your favorite dessert, but maybe also don’t load your plate up with everything else on the table. Steer clear of cheap, processed candy or savory snacks: these won’t feel like as much of a treat as something that’s genuinely good quality, like grandma’s beloved pie.
5. Listen to your body
It’s easy to mindlessly graze on chips when you’re waiting for everybody to arrive. So stay mindful and stop eating when you feel full or you’re not enjoying it. If you’re drinking alcohol, alternate with mineral water or a fruit-infused tea – your body will thank you tomorrow.
6. Get enough sleep
Early starts for road trips, turkey-induced naps and dancing until the early hours can really cramp your sleep style and your mood. If you’re having trouble switching off, our sleep visualizations are here for you.
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Stack up on sleep with one of our sleep visualizations in the Explore section.
7. Don’t forget to pack the snacks
’Tis the season air-tight storage containers were made for! If you’re hitting the road, avoid the lure of drive thrus and convenience store quick fixes by prepping a few of your favorite Centr snacks. Darren Robertson’s Bird Seed Bars travel well, and our Ginger and Wasabi Trail Mix is great for holiday camping and hiking, too.
8. Stack your plate strategically
There's always a healthier option. Turkey or chicken on the menu? Grab the lean cuts, like breast meat. For pork, limit the crackling, fatty bacon and sausages, but help yourself to ham. Is seafood your holiday staple? Great! From salmon to shrimp or prawns, seafood is a protein choice that won’t leave you feeling slow and heavy.
The potatoes will be out in force this season. Don’t deny yourself, but try to pack your plate with more vegetables of the green beans, sprouts, carrots or salad variety. The fiber will help you feel fuller for longer, too.
Beware the condiments, though: a heavy dousing of cranberry sauce or gravy is a fast way to make your healthy plate unhealthy.
Chilled fruit is especially great as a dessert option in those places where the holidays are hot (we’re looking at you, Australia). Whatever the season, adding a fresh fruit platter to the table can really balance out the indulgences.
Remember, if you’re attending events out at restaurants or bars, having a plan is half the battle.
Follow these tips, and you can get through the holiday season without feeling like you have to start your health and fitness journey all over again come New Year’s Day.
