5 Habits to Keep You Healthy this Holiday Season

It’s December, and the festive season is upon us! People worldwide are planning reunions and celebrations with their loved ones. However, the holiday season is also synonymous with indulging in sugary treats like cakes, candies, pies, and sodas. Unfortunately, this often means that healthy greens and fruits are forgotten in the corner. This unhealthy diet, coupled with erratic sleep and stress, can take a toll on our health and add unwanted calories. As a result, we may feel tired, bloated, and our immunity may take a hit.

Hence, to stay healthy during the holidays, it’s essential to prioritize our well-being. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle:

1. Swap Sugar with Natural Sweeteners

With natural sweeteners, you can enjoy your favourite holiday treats without compromising your health. Consuming treats containing too much sugar can lead to various health issues like diabetes, tooth decay, obesity, heart diseases, certain types of cancer and even poor cognitive functioning.

Honey, maple syrup, jaggery, coconut sugar, date paste, stevia, etc., are the healthiest natural sweeteners you can use to replace sugar. As per one of the studies published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, healthy sweeteners can increase your antioxidant intake and offer other benefits.

2. Practice Portion Control

The holiday season is a season of indulgence. It is easy to indulge in large portions of food, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Hence, one should practice portion control by eating on smaller plates, eating slowly and avoiding any sort of distractions while eating so that you can focus on your food, relish each bite and avoid overeating.

3. Fill Up on Fiber-Rich Foods

Including fiber-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts and seeds, root vegetables, and fruits will help you minimize your nutritional gaps and make sure you do not compromise your immunity, mental health and overall health. Fibre is an essential nutrient that helps regulate digestion, lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels.

4. Don’t Skip Meals

Skipping meals is a complete no-no during the holiday season. Skipping meals can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels and can lead to overeating later in the day. While eating meals at regular intervals can help you burn more calories throughout the day. Also, eating regular meals can keep you energetic to be able to fully enjoy with your friends and family.

5. Stay Active

Incorporate physical activity during your holidays by scheduling your workouts in advance to manage your weight and stress. Exercise will also improve your energy levels and help you sleep better. Making certain small changes to your daily routine like taking stairs instead of an elevator or parking far away from your destination will also help you stay active and fit.

Remember, the holidays are a busy time of year, packed with festive meals, family commitments, and additional fun outings. This extra hustle and bustle can make it difficult to maintain your fitness and nutrition goals, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Managing stress, staying active, sleeping, and eating nutrient-dense dishes will help you make the most out of your holiday season. Incorporating strategies to prioritize these habits is a form of self-care.

This new year 2024, If you’re looking to lose weight and need guidance, consider visiting the Shalby Obesity Clinic located at SG Road, Ahmedabad. The clinic has a team of experts including bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, physical therapy trainers, and lifestyle counsellors who can help you achieve your optimal weight. Shalby Multispecialty Hospital is an expert in non-surgical endoscopic treatments and bariatric surgery to help patients in their weight-loss journey.