It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week they have picked “5 Favorite Race Signs.” I did a zillion running posts up to NYC and I have a bit of post race amnesia on signs, so I am going to go off topic today.
As this year flies by, I am already thinking about the holidays. The last few years I have focused on ways to stay healthy and sane over the holidays. So… I bring you “5 Ways to Have a Healthier Holiday Season.”
1. Enjoy everything … in moderation. A few indulgences won’t mess up your health and fitness routine, but a few indulgences every day can. So pick your favorites treats and traditions and stick with them on a few occasions. And remember, there will be more next year! (I am looking at you left over candy corn!)
2. Sign up for an event or fitness challenge. The last two years I signed up for winter marathons and this year is no different. I signed up for the LA Marathon on Valentine’s Day. Training starts November 16th. Last winter, I also did a few holiday fitness challenges with Sweat Pink/Run to the Finish and Coach Jenny. I am planning to do the same this year. I need to get motivated with specific goals and challenges- do you?
3. Exercise in the morning or with friends… or both. If possible, exercise in the morning. Most parties don’t happen before 8 AM – just saying. Have trouble getting up in the morning? Get some friends to join you. It is much easier to meet morning exercise commitments if there is someone waiting for you out in the cold! Plus you get to spend time with friends which is a win-win! Also consider doing some exercise with family (or alone) over the holidays. We hit the hills in LA for Christmas and this year we’ll be in Cincinnati for Thanksgiving. It will be hills for breakfast in both places for me! If there is a Turkey Trot or Santa Hustle in your town see if you can get folks to walk, run or spectate with you. Make it a family tradition – it’s never too late to start.
4. Eat healthy meals (when possible) and keep healthy snacks on hand. For most of us, every day will not be a party. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals whenever possible. And whatever you do, don’t “save room for later” and go to parties hungry. That is a recipe for disaster. Offer to host some meals or festivities or to bring some dishes, that way you can have some control over what is served.
5. Don’t say “yes” to everything. This pertains to sweets and treats and events. It is OK to politely decline some things to take care of your health and well being. Or if you do wind up going to tons of extra events, set a timer and stay for an hour. If there are “food pushers” in your office (or life) keep healthy snacks around and politely decline some holiday treats. Holidays can be a whirlwind and a lot of stress. It is OK to take some time-outs and take care of yourself.
And if you are traveling during the holidays, don’t miss 10 Ways to Stay Health (and Sane) When You Travel.
What are your tips for staying healthy and sane for the holidays?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!