Small ways to stay fit and healthy during the holidays

Matthew Riordan, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

 

Ah, the music, the lights, the snowmen, the lawn Santas… It must be that time of year again, the holidays are approaching.  This is a season to get together with family and friends to have fun and spread the joy.  Whether your holiday involves Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the alternative Festivus, you can bet that there’ll be food involved.

Don’t let your holidays turn out to be a Grinch on your waistline, here’s some simple ways to stay fit and healthy during the holidays, or any time of the year:

• Eat smaller meals, more frequently during the day.  Instead of 2-3 big meals, try 4-5 smaller meals.  Your body will feel more full and you’ll eat less.
• At parties, modify your portions.  Take smaller portions of dishes, try and bulk up on good choices like vegetables and fruits.
• Get rid of the snacks. If you don’t buy them or have them in the house, you’ll be less likely to eat them.
• Don’t go to the supermarket hungry.  You’ll end up purchasing more on an empty stomach, most likely junk food.
• Take healthy snacks to work.  Eat nuts or fruits when you’re on the go.
• Stay hydrated.  Take your weight in pounds, divide by two, and that’s how many ounces of water you should drink in a day.
• Find a workout partner.  Recruit someone in your family or someone from work to exercise with, both of you will keep each other accountable.
• Park farther away when you go out shopping, that way you’ll end up walking more.
• Physical challenge: Install a chin up bar in one of your doorways.  Everytime you pass it, do a chin up.

These are only a few ways to stay healthy and fit during the holidays.  It is about the time you spend with family and friends, it’s ok to enjoy the meals, just be smart about it.
For more information, you can ask one of our physical therapists at Professional Physical Therapy and Training, conveniently located in the Madison and Summit YMCAs.

Happy Holidays!

 

Image courtesy of Gualberto107 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net