Don’t FALL Back into Old Habits: How to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season

The time has come to put away our swimwear and let fall enter our lives. Yes, summer was fun with the vacations and outdoor parties, but all good things must come to an end. But just because summer has ended, this does not mean that your workout routines and healthy eating habits should come to a complete halt. If you really think about it, you can really do some good to your body by keeping your healthy living in place (and have a head start on that New Year’s resolution).

With fall comes endless candies, luscious desserts, and fatty foods!

We have to think ahead and stay on top of the game when it comes to our health. Let’s get it straight. It’s not only about looking good on the outside, but about feeling GREAT on the inside too, and there are plenty of ways for us to keep that summer mentality going through the fall.

Here in the RGV, the outlook of being healthy has gained tremendous support, so let’s keep the good work. Even if you are just exercising in the comfort of your own home, as long as you keep moving, you will be ok.

Here are a few ways that you can keep that healthy mind, body, and spirit attitude during the upcoming months. Maybe you can even hold on to them for the rest of your life.

Eating Habits

If you haven’t already done this already, changing your eating habits can help you feel new and healthy as can be. I know it can be a huge pain in the butt, but try and wake up a bit earlier to pack your lunch and some snacks a few times a week, instead of going out. Not only will this save you calories, but some cash as well.

Ideas for lunch include:

Tuna salad or turkey sandwich on wheat

Chef’s salad w/ light dressing of your choice

Chicken breast w/ sautéed veggies

Veggie plate (cold or hot)

Burrito bowl (rice, beans, avocado, cheese, pico de gallo, and protein of your choice)

Now these are just a few ideas of course, so go out and do some research of your own to get some ideas for healthy lunches to take to work. Here is a link to get you started.

Move Your Body

Movement is essential in keeping our bodies in shape. I understand, after a hard day’s work, we all want to just plop down on the couch, but be MOTIVATED to do otherwise. I know, it is easier said than done, and I am guilty of being a couch potato here and there. But just think of how good it’ll feel to get a little sweat on.

You don’t have to join the hippest gym or jump on the latest exercise trend, because with the Internet, you can do everything you in the comfort of your own home…or maybe just a few steps out the door. So, make a trip to the nearest store and buy some exercise gear such as lightweights, a jump rope, and a comfortable mat. I personally love to watch my favorite shows, do a few reps of weights, crunches, squats and jumping jacks. You don’t need a personal trainer to give you instruction, just hope online and choose from hundreds of routines that are available at the click of a button.

In fact, take a look at these top 25 at home exercises.

I know it sometimes it may not feel like much, but after a few weeks, you WILL see some results.

If getting your exercise on inside your house isn’t your style, then take a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood each night. Once you are used to the walking, you can add in some jogging for that extra movement.

Hey, maybe you will even do the next RGV 10K. You never know.

Clear the Mind

As mentioned before, it isn’t only important to look and feel good on the outside, you need to feel just as amazing on the inside. If your mind is not in the right place, this can lead to unwanted stress, which can make us feel pretty horrible at times. We all have busy schedules, but take at least 1 hour a week just for you! Even if it’s just for a cup of coffee, get away from whatever is bothering you and clear your mind.

Personally, I love the art of yoga and meditation; these techniques has been around for centuries and can really bring out positive results. If you are trying yoga for the first time, check out this website for some ideas on how to get started. Yoga not only helps in clearing the mind, but can also strengthen the body.

Meditation is also a great way to clear out all those unwanted thoughts running through your mind. Lock yourself in your room, dim the lights, turn on a few candles, close your eyes for a few minutes, and think nothing but POSITIVE thoughts. Believe me, it will do wonders!

I hope that this upcoming fall and holiday season fairs well for everyone. I know how tempting it can be to indulge and not think of the aftermath it can do to our bodies, but we should always try and take care of ourselves. After all, we are only given one beautiful body throughout our lives.

Let’s do our best to take care of it.