Even though it has been downright balmy in Chicago, I am thinking about how to stay healthy over the holidays with all of the extra food, stress and travel that is coming my way. One nice thing about training for 5 extra weeks for my marathon is just that. Five extra weeks of training miles! That being said, I still need to watch out for the extra cookies that seem to jump into my hand every afternoon, eating out more and exercising less when I travel.
So here are some ideas in no particular order:
Are you a runner or do you aspire to be? Nothing like a race on the calendar to keep you motivated to train! Check out a bunch of events on 1.1.2013 to support health and wellness called “Commitment Day.” I like their premise “A Healthy Way of Life all starts here. Forget making a resolution. Make a commitment. Share it with friends, family members, and the whole world. You’ll feel good, and inspire someone else to make a positive change.” 5K runs and events (in 30+ cities in the US) are $39 for adults and you can get $5 off with the code CORP0290. All kids can register for free with every paid adult. You can register more than one child per paid adult.
Need a race or challenge to keep you motivated? Try Yog! Yog, is an iPhone app that enables runners to run together virtually in real time, no matter where in the world they are. You can either join or create an upcoming run. For instance, you might see that there’s a three-mile run tomorrow at 8 a.m. Just hit “join” and you’re added to the list. Alternately, you can schedule your own run (select a time, distance and even a custom playlist) and invite your friends or other “yoggers” to participate. You’ll get a reminder just before your run begins, and you’re expected to hit the pavement/treadmill/track when the clock sounds (imagine the race “gun” sounding). During your run, the app tracks useful stats like your pace and calories burned. Plus, audio and on-screen placing notifications show your progress in relation to other runners. (Has anyone tried this? What do you think??)
In Chicago? Try healthy, portion-controlled, delicious meals from The Green Gourmet Chicago with their special holiday offer:
You can read my review here. I got a week deal from Gilt City and then purchased 20 days which I spread out over 7 weeks (3 days a week). I found that 3 days/week was perfect for me because I could spread the meals and snacks out when I had plans to eat out or work commitments. I was able to tailor my meals to have more vegetables and less starch and to exclude foods I do not like. They also tailor size/calories based on weight management goals and activity level. The meals are delivered to my door(man) 3 days a week so I have no excuse not to eat healthy foods and smart portions. The holiday special prices (40% off on 5 day or 10 day delivery of breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks!) are available through 12/7 and you can buy more than set one for yourself or others. If you find yourself short on time to cook or shop (like me), I would highly recommend giving the Green Gourmet Chicago a try! (PS. Not in Chicago? Keep an eye out for great holiday offers for a similar service near you! I have seen a bunch.)
Need an extra kick to get out there to exercise? Check out Instamotivation – a fun, new, site from my friends at The Greatist!
Feel good by helping others?. In Chicago? check out What’s Good in December from the folks at Zealous Good for some ideas on helping others this holiday season! (or check out my post from Sunday with ideas for 31 Days of Giving from Glamour Magazine.)
Traveling by airplane this holiday season? Check out these tips from The Greatist on pre-flight ways to stay healthy:
See the full infographic on pre, inflight and post flight health and safety tips HERE (You’ll be glad you did!)
Want to give healthy gifts for the holidays? Check out these ideas from the Mayo Clinic or (even better) “Healthy Gifts that Won’t Offend” from Fitsugar.
And finally, some healthy deals to consider for you or your gift-ees:
– Check out great spa and wellness deals at Lifebooker Loot in 17 cities in the US including NYC, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, San Fran, Seattle and more! This $25 Acupuncture and Soft Tissue Massage in Chicago looks too good to pass up (and don’t worry, Mol, it’s not the creepy guy!)
– Check out great deals on health and wellness products, spa travel and spa appointments in select cities at SpaFinder Wellness NOW!
– Spiff up their yoga routine (or yours) with these great deals from Active Gear Up on Yoga Rat mats and towels.
– Order this awesome dark chocolate set from {cocoa} for 40% off or this ONEHOPE wine at 60% off from Bloomspot– dark chocolate and wine are HEALTHY!
– Check out great health and wellness deals all over the country at Groupon, Living Social and Gilt City.
What are you doing to stay healthy, or gift in good health, this holiday season? Please share your tips and ideas
PS. It’s not too late to “Adopt a Mile” in my marathon (free) this weekend – who/what inspires you to go the extra mile? (or the included miles as the case might be!!)