The holidays are all about celebration, food, and spending time with loved ones—but let’s be honest, it’s also the season where healthy habits tend to slip. With so many parties, treats, and big meals, it’s easy to get off track. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your whole routine—just a few small changes can help you stay balanced.
Here are five easy ways to stay on top of your health and fitness during the holidays:
1. Try Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is just a fancy way of saying you eat during a specific time window each day. For example, some people eat all their meals between noon and 6 p.m. This can help you avoid grazing all day or overeating at big meals. It’s especially helpful on days like Thanksgiving, when one meal can easily take up your entire calorie budget.
2. Plan Ahead Mentally
Holiday meals aren’t a surprise—you usually know what’s going to be served. Before heading to a dinner or party, take a moment to think about what you’ll indulge in and what you’ll skip. Knowing ahead of time that you’re going to enjoy your favorite pie, but maybe pass on the bread rolls, can help you feel more in control.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Intake
It’s totally okay to enjoy your favorite foods during the holidays. Just try to be aware of how much you’re eating. Using a calorie tracker (like MyFitnessPal) can help give you a reality check. You might be surprised at how quickly things add up—like that cookie you thought was 150 calories but was actually closer to 300.
4. Move Your Body
You don’t need to do a full workout, but try to stay active, especially on days when you know you’ll be eating more than usual. Even a quick walk, a light workout, or dancing while cooking can make a difference. Getting in some movement early in the day can also help boost your metabolism and give you more wiggle room later.
5. Stay Hydrated
Sometimes when you feel hungry, your body’s just thirsty. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent overeating and cravings. Try drinking a big glass of water before heading to any holiday event—it can fill you up a bit and help you make better food choices.
Bottom line: the holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Don’t stress about being perfect—just aim for balance, listen to your body, and keep things in moderation. A little planning goes a long way!