The holiday season is fast approaching, and many are planning their seasonal travels to visit family and friends in other places.
As you likely know, sticking to your weight management plan while you’re on-the-go can be tough. When you’re distracted from your usual routine, finding the time to eat healthy, exercise and stick to your good habits can pose a challenge – especially during the holiday season. You may be asking yourself:
- “When can I find time to exercise?”
- “What about all the holiday parties and festivities?”
- “What do I do when people gift me gifts of food?”
- “How do I stay healthy while I’m on the road?”
Holiday Travels Done Right
Although the holiday season is frequently associated with weight gain and excess food, this doesn’t have to be the case for you. If you’re on-the-go to spend the holidays with friends and family, remember these key tips:
- Pack Workout-appropriate Attire – You never know when you’ll be able to squeeze in a quick workout. Maybe it’s in the morning before your day’s activities have begun, or maybe it’s after dinner and before bed.
- Pack Healthy Travel Snacks – Keep a small ice chest filled with fruits, veggies, lean cuts of meat, etc. Pack baggies filled with homemade granola, no-butter popcorn, low-sodium nuts or whole grain crackers with cheese.
- Keep a Food Log – Even during your busy schedule, try to maintain a small food log that let’s you know what and how much you’re consuming.
- Eat before Activities – Many holiday parties and activities feature tons of special food, which can be tempting if you’re trying to watch what you eat. To avoid temptation, try to eat healthier snacks/meals beforehand and decrease your appetite.
- Focus on People – The holidays are meant to be spent with the people you love and care about, so focus on that quality time instead of food or other things about weight management which may be bothering you.
- Squeeze in Exercise in Small Places – Going to a friend’s house down the street? Take a walk instead of your car. Is everyone at that holiday party sitting around on the sofa? Go outside for a game of football, bean bag toss or simple exercise.
Remember, you aren’t expected to be perfect. It’s okay to relax and indulge in a few holiday treats, so long as you do so in moderation. Just focus on the people around you, rather than food and holiday stress, and the rest should fall into place!
Want more tips about managing your weight during the holidays? CLICK HERE.
