Happy and Healthy Holidays by Jane Sandwood

The holidays are fast approaching and it’s a time to visit friends and family and, maybe even host a gathering of your own. There is an abundance of indulgent treats available, but sometimes it can feel as though they’re forced upon us. Who hasn’t said yes to that extra slice of plum pudding served in a puddle of brandy sauce? With all of this delicious extra food available, and a busy schedule of visits to make, no wonder it’s easy for our health regime to slip at this time of year. If you are struggling, you’re certainly not alone. Last year, CBC News reported on a study that found that weight gain over the holiday period was universal.

Avoiding Over-indulgence

Obviously, the easiest way to avoid weight gain over the holidays is to avoid over-indulgence in the first place. Easier said than done, it’s true, but if you stop for a moment and think about what holiday season is really about, refusing that extra cookie, or Christmas candy may not be such a difficult decision. Thanksgiving and Christmas are times to give thanks for the blessings in our life and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If you focus on these aspects of the season, it may be easier to decline that second glass of champagne at the work Christmas party.

As well as thinking about the real meaning of the holidays, perhaps you could set yourself a goal. If you manage to limit any weight gains over the holiday, why not treat yourself to a new elegant outfit from the New Year sales?

Keep Active with the Family

With a busy schedule, dark evenings and snow, it may be difficult to keep up an exercise regime, it is important to keep active over the holiday period. It’s understandable that trips to the gym might slip, but there are plenty of things you can do to stay active, on your own, or with your family. If there’s snow, don’t treat the task of clearing the driveway as a chore, think of it as your daily workout. Be careful not to skip though. Take a winter walk in the woods and marvel at the beauty of nature with a relative you haven’t seen in a while, or reawaken your inner-child and join the kids in building a snowmen, snowball fighting, or even sledding. Remember, the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines published by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommend that we are active for 150 minutes per week in bouts of ten minutes or more. If you can fit in a short brisk walk every day, it shouldn’t be a problem to reach that target.

Although it can be very difficult to stick to any weight loss and health goals over the holiday period, you can do it. By thinking about the true meaning of the holidays, keeping active, giving yourself something to look forward to when your normal routine resumes, it may be easier than you think to stay healthy for the holidays. (tweet this)

Jane Sandwood is a professional freelance writer and editor with over 10 years’ experience. Jane has a particular interest in issues relating to health, fitness and nutrition.

Photo by Teddy Kelley on Unsplash
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