How to Stay on Your Wellness Game During the Holiday

​It’s the time of year where holiday food and treat temptations continue to add up - and holiday weight gain is real!

Here are five tips to help keep you on your wellness game during the holidays.

1. Come hungry, but not starving, to big meals

Most of us love a fancy feast for the holidays and while it may seem like a smart idea to fast or minimally eat leading up to the big meal, it’s better to not skip meals throughout the day. If you do, it could result in overeating.Pace yourself to ensure you are hungry come mealtime, but not starving. To do this, stock yourself full of fiber-rich foods that will satisfy hunger like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Don’t deprive yourself

It can be hard to say no to certain foods based on the amount of work that goes into holiday events. Keep in mind that it’s okay to indulge by eating in moderation. Think about your daily calorie intake like a savings account. You can plan accordingly and still enjoy those delicious holiday foods that show up only during this time of the year!

3. Take advantage of nutritious foods

Many festive holiday foods are not known for their nutritious value, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of healthy foods this holiday season. The fall also produces an abundant amount of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that are in season including squash, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato, cranberry, and more. These can be turned into delicious side dishes!

4. Remain active

It's so easy to ditch your exercise routine during the holiday season. This can obviously cause more harm than good. It doesn’t take long for the body to start losing strength and if you remain inactive for too long, it could take you even longer to get back to your original fitness levels. Make it a priority to remain active. You can even incorporate activities with friends and family—participate in a holiday-themed 5k or check out a Christmas light show in your neighborhood.