It’s that time of year again! Holiday parties are full of delicious sweets, cozy nights on the couch, and a general treat-yourself attitude. The holidays present the perfect temptations that can quickly derail your fitness routine, weight loss goals, and overall wellness. On average, Americans expect to gain eight pounds throughout the holiday season. At R2 Medical, we love celebrating the holidays. We understand the importance of staying fit for your physical and mental health in the long run!

Here are seven tips to help you stay fit while you enjoy the holidays!

1. Plan Ahead

Mindfully prepare before you enter social gatherings involving food. That doesn’t skipping every delicious treat, but planning can help you distinguish between emotional and physical hunger. Mindful eating habits help you understand your food-related triggers and empower you to make healthier choices.

2. Never go to a Party Overly Hungry

Have a snack before you go to your next holiday party. Reducing your physical hunger can help you have more self-control when facing the lure of the holiday spread.

3. Keep Moving – Track Your Steps

Staying active helps you burn calories. During the busy holiday season, you can park further away from the store or take an extra lap around the mall while you shop. Tracking your steps can help you stay active throughout the holidays. Studies show that walking at least 7,000 steps daily significantly affects adult health.

4. Be Realistic

Don’t be overly restrictive, and enjoy your favorite holiday treats! Slow down to savor the bites you love, especially ones typically served only once a year. Enjoying your favorites in moderation is better than punishing yourself and not having them at all.

5. Drink Water

Hydration is essential to overall health. Drinking enough water can also help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight by supporting fat loss and improving digestion. Staying hydrated has many other health benefits, like boosting cognition and giving your skin a healthy glow. Try drinking a tall glass of water before approaching the snack tray to help take the edge off your appetite.

6. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep loss affects weight gain. Sleep-deprived people often eat more and tend to gravitate toward foods high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. Adequate sleep can help keep your metabolism regulated and help you have the energy to exercise and engage in other physical activities.

7. Seasonal Activities

Festive seasonal activities such as ice skating, sledding, hiking, and skiing can help keep you fit throughout the holiday season. Shopping can help keep your step count up, and getting out on the dance floor at holiday parties can also burn extra calories.

R2 Medical

Happy Holidays from R2 Medical! We understand diet and exercise are essential for keeping fit throughout the holiday season. We are here to help you get to your healthiest self. The R2 team offers many health treatments that will have you feeling years younger. Contact us today to start your health journey with R2.