4 Tried and True Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy All Season Long

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So you’ve made it through Thanksgiving without putting on those extra pounds. Great. And hopefully you’re sticking with your nutrition and workout plans to keep plugging away. But what happens when you start to slip. You know how it goes. The holiday season is filled with parties, hosting, shopping, baking and decorating. How is there any time for you? Well the fact is, there is always time for you. The number one rule to a healthy and happy lifestyle for that matter is you. Determining what works best and your personalized goals- those are key. Once you figure that out, everything else falls into place. Even during the craziness that is the holiday season. So, put down those cookie sheets, put away the box of decorations and set your wrapping aside. It’s time to focus on how to keep up with that amazing life of yours. Push aside your worries and embrace the season. ‘Tis the season for believing, so believe in the power of you.

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1. Make a Plan

This sounds pretty easy but it’s the truth. You’ll never be successful in health and fitness if you don’t make a plan. Creating a plan whether nutrition, working out or for your job keeps you focused and balanced. It gives you something to strive for and rely on. The benefits of a regular workout routine are amazing. Physical activity is the best thing you can do for health.  It has been proven to help improve brain function, reduce the risk of disease, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your bones and muscles and assist you in performing everyday activities. So why push that aside just because you’re busier than usual. You have to commit and carve out time just for you. The holiday prep and planning? Well that can wait. Sit down every Sunday and make a plan. Take a look at what’s to come and make sure you set aside time to move your body. Even if it’s just thirty minutes, make a plan and stick to it. 

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Don’t forget to make your schedule visible. Post it on the refrigerator or even tape it to your bathroom mirror. Set an alarm on your phone or add your workouts to your Google calendar. Whatever works. Just make sure to put in the effort and follow through. 

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2. Prioritize Sleep

Most likely you’ll be up later thinking, wrapping and party planning, but you can’t let sleep take a backseat. Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night is important not only for your energy levels but also your brain. You’ll be sharper the next day and also ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep gives your body the chance to reset, and rejuvenate from all the hard work you’re doing. You need to give yourself time to repair and rebuild. That way you can push further the next day. Not to mention getting the right amount of rest helps combat stress or anxiety from the holiday season. If we’re being honest those months from November to January are priceless but also tend to increase our stress levels. The constant hustle and bustle, planning, shopping, visiting, prepping. It’s a lot. Do  yourself a favor and stick to your regular sleep routine giving your body what it needs most- rest.

3. Stay Hydrated 

This time of year holiday parties probably fill up your calendar. And that’s great, people love getting together. It’s time to celebrate, have fun and enjoy the holiday festivities. However along with those festivities comes temptation. It knocks on your door then you start letting go of your good habits. One being hydration. You know the stats and use every trick of the trade to get your daily sips in, but becoming overly busy can lead down a path of letting go. 

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However, one thing you should never let go of is hydration. It keeps you alert and feeling your best. Proper hydration is also essential when working out because it helps you stay on your game. Going to be out and about shopping or heading off to a holiday party? Easy. Plan ahead. Throw an extra bottle of water in your backseat and stay hydrated. Get at least 15 cups (men) and 11 (women) or 120 oz of water each day to keep your body in tip top shape. Drinking enough water also helps you-

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• Stay focused
• Increases your energy levels
• Lubricates your joints
• Improves skin complexion

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You’ll feel so much better with that H2O, especially because it helps avoid sickness. Imagine getting sick this time of year? Think of all the fun you’ll miss. And let’s not forget that dehydration brings negative side effects such as headaches, tiredness and mood swings. There’s no reason to fall into that realm of misery. 

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And speaking of misery, imagine being at a work or holiday get-to-gether with a headache. It’s not worth it. If you’re consuming alcohol, switch up your sips. A general rule of thumb is a 1:1- ratio when drinking. One alcoholic beverage to one glass of water. No water means fatigue and headaches.

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4. Meal Plan

Meal planning is a tried and true tip for staying on track and keeping fit. It prevents impulse buying and eliminates the question “what’s for dinner?” Meal planning also saves you time and money. Make a list, stick to it and don’t add anything extra in the cart. With meal planning there’s never the stress of not knowing what’s in the house or how you can fuel up. You always know what’s in stock. Clean, nutritious and delicious choices. Another benefit of meal planning, especially around the holidays, is seeing exactly how much you’re eating. Portion control. Figuring out exactly how much you scoop on your plate helps with awareness of overeating. Take holiday parties for instance. The choices are plentiful and they all  look so good. A little of this, and a little of that. However sometimes your snacking habits turn into eating way too much. With consistent meal planning you feel more in control and aware of what you’re putting in your body. You’re not mindlessly snacking, you're mindfully making the right choices. 

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Planning ahead also decreases food waste. How many times have you opened your fridge or pantry and found food either spoiled or stale? That’s because you probably overbought. Things keep getting pushed to the back and then forgotten. Eliminate that with proper planning. All it takes is a little bit of time and some research. There are thousands of amazing recipes out there. But don’t take our word for it, try some of the recipes our coaches make and love that fuel them through their day. And not to worry, if you've never really planned your meals before, the experts at CrossFit Threefold will guide you every step of the way. 

Health and Happiness All Year Long

Yes the holidays are an exciting and busy time of year but pushing your health aside because you’re busier than usual does no one a favor. Your health is the greatest gift you could ever have. Even through all the craziness that comes between Thanksgiving and New Years, put yourself first. Make sure to stay on top of your health and never steer far from your goals. Health is wealth and always will be. Take things one day at a time, one meal at a time and never give up. ‘Tis the season for happiness and being your best self!