The holiday season can be tough when you’ve been working hard towards your health and fitness goals all year. December is a busy time of the year for most, filled with parties and celebrations to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoying yourself in moderation is key to having balance and below I will share some tips on how to enjoy the holiday season while not completely losing track of your health and fitness goals.

It’s likely that our caloric intake will increase during the holidays. Baking and cooking is a tradition for most people during the holidays and you shouldn’t have to give up making your Christmas cookies with your family just to stay on track. A good way to balance out the caloric intake is to get a little more active. Increase your daily step goal, add in a little extra cardio, hop into a group fitness class (we have lots of them here at Franciscan Health Fitness Centers), or hit the weight room! You can even make it a part of your get togethers - go for walks with your family, participate in outdoor recreational activities, join in on a group exercise class together, etc. This is an easy way to be able to enjoy the foods you love at the holiday season without worrying about your fitness goals suffering.

Another tip is while you are enjoying those buttery rolls and mashed potatoes, try to add some extra protein to your plate to keep your meal well balanced and satisfy you longer. You can also make “healthier” versions of your favorite recipes. Swap nonfat or 1% milk in place of full fat milk in your recipes. Replace butter with applesauce, mashed banana, or pumpkin puree when baking. Enjoy sparkling water instead of sweetened beverages or flavor drinks with freshly squeezed lemon.

Most importantly, remember the holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Being so food focused can take away from what really matters during this season. Enjoy yourself, stay active and have this holiday season be the one that you stay healthy and happy.