The holidays can feel like an impossible time to progress with your fitness and nutrition goals. Holiday parties, stress, travel, germs/sickness, and extra expenses can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. 

I will argue there’s no better time to double down on taking care of yourself than during the holiday season. Since the next few months may mean more to-dos on your list, be smart and support your wellness so you can keep up with your busy life. 

How do you do this? 

Prioritize these 3 healthy habits and put your energy levels and immune system FIRST!

1. Prioritize Sleep.

As a busy mom, I know much of the holiday planning and prep falls on mom. It’s tempting to stay up late to finish wrapping presents, baking, or scrolling the internet for the “perfect” gift for Grandma. But getting enough good quality sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being. 

When your sleep is good:

• You regulate your appetite control.
• You keep food cravings away.
• You are better at decision-making.
• You increase your productivity levels.
• You boost your immune system.

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. To read more about why you should prioritize sleep, check out this WebMD article, Surprising Reasons to Get More Sleep. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/benefits-sleep-more

2. Prioritize Whole Food Nutrition.

When life gets busy and overwhelming, reaching for boxes and bags for food choices is tempting. The reality is it’s just as easy to grab an apple with some nut butter as it is to open a bag of chemical-laden crackers. The apple with nut butter will keep you full longer and provide antioxidants and other nutrients that benefit your health.

Ultra-processed foods lack nutritional value and cause inflammation, making you feel more run-down. If you want sustained energy to tackle your holiday to-do list, eat a whole-food diet filled with meat, veggies, fruits, and healthy fats. If you want more information on how to fill your plate with delicious, whole foods, check out my guide, The Ultimate Diet Breakup Plan. 

3. Prioritize Movement

Studies show that increasing exercise reduces mental health burdens, eases depression, and improves overall energy levels. The key is to find an activity you enjoy, so you’ll stick with it. Walking, running, lifting weights, or yoga-if you like it, it counts!

And if you are already exercising, don’t fall into the trap of all or nothing. It’s far easier to maintain an exercise routine than take time off and get back to it after the holiday season. Choose a minimum baseline of 2 to 3 workouts per week. This will keep you in the habit of working out instead of rebuilding it from scratch. It will be much easier to ramp up your fitness levels when you are ready.

What if it could be different this year?

Do you want to be like the average American who puts the pounds between November and January 1? I didn’t think so. Consider maintaining your weight and health. Or, dare I say it? What if you got healthier and even lost some stubborn fat during the last two months of the year? Yes, it can be done! 

If you want help staying fit and healthy this holiday season, grab a spot in my next coaching group!

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