Photo courtesy of @SincerelyJules
For many of us, holiday season means travel. Whether you’re hitting the road to visit your loved ones or opening your home up for the celebration, chances are your routine is about to be thrown out of whack. But… don’t let the changes affect your dedication to good health! It’s important to make healthy choices no matter what the circumstances, but we know that’s easier said than done. This week we’re bringing you a few tips to help you stay on the right track as you get ready for the chaos of the holiday season:
FILL YOUR BELLY WITH ANTIOXIDANT-RICH INGREDIENTS
We know the holidays are a time filled with food, there is pretty much no escaping that. However, that doesn’t mean you have to overstuff your tummy with nasty ingredients that weigh you down and feel gross afterwards. Instead, mix it up and create dishes packed with cancer-fighting ingredients such as cranberries and blueberries. Festive and good for you? Count us in!
STRETCH WHILE WATCHING TV
Everyone could do some more stretching in their lives, but there never seems to be enough time. One trick we use to is to stretch while watching TV. Instead of just sitting on the sofa watching a movie or TV, get on the floor and get some stretching in.
FIND STILLNESS IN YOUR ROUTINE
When someone bounces all over a bike in an indoor cycling class to stay on the beat, the momentum is actually bad for them. It’s the nervous tick of wellness. Likewise, wildly swinging weights to lift heavier amounts doesn’t make you stronger. Instead it promotes injury, encourages muscle imbalance, and generally is a less effective way to work out. You shouldn’t perform exercises this way because you’re only cheating yourself. If there is a lesson planks can teach, it’s how the most simplistic exercise can be transformed with core activation. Plus, when you’re on the road, dehydration and poor sleep can make you more susceptible to injury, so take it slow and make sure you’re focused on form and safety.
REMEMBER: WORKOUTS DON’T HAVE TO BE HIGH-INTENSITY
On the road, when you’re out of your comfort zone and consistent routine, that can sometimes make exercise challenging. Many type-A people tend to have an all-or-nothing attitude about fitness. There is no better way to see a city than to take a long walk. After enjoying a holiday dinner with your family, head outside to enjoy the fresh air with the ones you love most.
MAKE THE SECOND PORTION OF YOUR SNACK OR MEAL FIBER
Travel tends to involve some indulgent dining options, and there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the local cuisine, as long as it’s mealtime. Though it can take time for your brain to catch up to your stomach.
When you’re feeling snacky throughout the day, try to nibble on something rich in fiber to keep help your body happy and stomach full.
DON’T MISS A MONDAY
It doesn’t have to be a Monday. Pick one day of the week that you commit to making sure you get a workout in. Mondays are good because it sets the tone for workout domination for the whole week, but it could be any day of the week. That day will anchor your week and ensure you get one good workout in at least once a week, EVEN if you’re traveling.
Source: Mind Body Green
