How to Balance Eating, Exercise, and Holidays

It’s that time of year! We’re about to set foot on that slippery slope of mindless eating and no time to work out, with an added gallon of stress. Yup, the holidays are here: Five weeks of parties and feasts, and very little time to ourselves. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies to help keep your fitness and eating habits on course, even if you celebrate for a while. Here are five ways to keep you—and your health—in balance:

Stick to Your Normal Schedule

The holidays sneakily—or not so sneakily—can push us off our usual routines. If it’s not the day of an actual celebration, try to stick to your usual eating and exercise plan, even if that means a kale salad and 20-minute post-work run. Keeping to your routine will help you feel calmer, and more in control of your schedule, and it will help you squeeze in exercise—without feeling like you’re too overwhelmed or busy. Your workout will actually help you feel more energized in the long run!

Swap in Positive Habits

Let’s get real: It is possible to get frazzled, even while feeling grateful for food on your plate. Swap shoving sweet morsels into your mouth during times of stress with a productive habit, like a walk around the block. Even ducking out for five minutes to clear your mind and catch some steps can help you shake off stress.

Another trick is any time you notice your jaw start to clench, pause for some deep belly breathing. You can try Relax, the new guided breathing feature on the Fitbit Charge 2, or simply focus on allowing your belly to rise up when you exhale, and then extend as you fill yourself with breath.

Fill Up on Good Stuff

When you are making that plate of food, or should I say your first plate—load up on veggies, and if you eat meat, choose a portion about the size of a deck of cards. Save the mashed potatoes and stuffing for round two—as you’ll be less hungry, and will naturally consume less. And when you do eat, chew slowly, as it will be easier for you to tell when you’re full.

Watch Where Alcohol Takes You

Often the first thing we do at a party is grab a drink. It’s time to unwind, after all! The problem is that booze not only is laden with empty calories, but it can lead to mindless appetizer grabbing before we have even touched our main course. It’s OK to allow yourself a cocktail, but before you consider a second, take a walk around the room or even better, wait until after your meal, to see if you’d like anything more.

Go For Gratitude

It is time to celebrate, right? Try to stay playful and seize those small moments to interact with the people around you. Go for a walk with your family, to squeeze in some steps (and burn calories while you’re at it). Or play a wild, heart-thumping game of charades. Most importantly, try slowing your thoughts and focus on gratitude. After all, it’s hard to be angry or feel stressed when you feel grateful.

Wishing you all great health, and joy this holiday season!

Gabby Reece

World-renowned athlete, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. Gabrielle Reece is a former professional beach volleyball player and was Nike’s first female spokeswoman. She has a passion for healthy living and fitness, which has shaped her career and makes her a popular leader in the world of health and wellness.