In the unprecedented year of 2020, maintaining our health is one of the most important things we can do. While there is no surefire way to keep your body in peak shape, eating a balanced, nutritious diet and working out regularly are ideal ways to maintain your health. Of course, a treat here or there won’t hurt, and we should always take rest, but as we enter the holiday season, I want to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It can be so difficult with the delicious meals and the time off to want to veg out and enter a food coma for a few days, but let’s challenge ourselves to enjoy a healthy holiday season in 2020. You may be thinking, “But the food is so good!” or “My family is in town. I can’t come to workout,” and you are not alone! Here are some tips to keep up with your health this holiday season:
- Portions
With the mouthwatering food in front of you, it might seem impossible to stick to a strict diet. Instead, try sticking to portion sizes. If we neglect ourselves of the foods we are excited for, we often end up grumpy or binging on them later. Instead, allow yourself the food you want, but keep the portion sizes reasonable. - Add some color
Is your plate mostly brown or tan? A great way to ensure you are including nourishing foods in your diet is to make sure there is some extra color on your plate. From green beans to sweet potatoes, you can guarantee you’re getting vegetables while still enjoying your favorites. Pro tip: Make it a challenge with your kids or family to see who can have the most colors on their plate, and help them sneak in their nutrients too! - Schedule it out
We’ve all been there. It’s four o’clock, your family is in town, and you decide you’re going to skip class that night. The easiest way to stick to your workout routine is to schedule it out. Maybe you can’t make it to every class that week, but tell your family you’ll be missing a few nights ahead of time. You can avoid those awkward conversations about leaving, enjoy some time at the school, and get a quick break from the chaos.
- Involve your family
Maybe your family is super active and loves to try new things. Encourage them to try out a kickboxing or jiu jitsu class with you! MMA can be enjoyed by the whole family, and you may start a new family tradition. - Take some time to rest
This may seem like a confusing tip, but don’t forget to rest this season. With vigorous exercise, rest is so important to ensure our bodies fully heal and can truly become stronger. In addition, 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year that has brought stress and anxiety to a lot of people. Take time to not only restore your body with rest, but also your mind. Reading, going for a walk, or spending time with family can help you recharge for the next year.
Whatever your plans look like, we hope you will take the challenge with us to make this holiday season one of health and nourishment! We look forward to seeing you in classes, and happy holidays!
