With an abundance of indulgent foods around, frequent celebratory gatherings, and busy schedules, the holiday season can make it challenging for active individuals to stay on track with healthy eating and fitness routines.
To stay energized and feel your best during this magical time of year, try these five expert tips.
Fueling for Success
If you are in training or active competition mode, keeping your body properly nourished is key for optimal performance and reducing risk of injury. Strive to stick as closely possible to your typical fueling plan, built around foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meats/fish and dairy, while leaving room for traditional holiday foods.
For a portable, fueling meal or snack option that also tastes great too, try smoothies, yogurt bark, and cottage cheese toast.
Stay Hydrated
Sip plenty of water, sparkling water, fruit-infused water or unsweetened drinks to stay hydrated and able to focus. When you need a recovery drink, reach for chocolate milk, which is the ultimate recovery beverage thanks to its naturally balanced combination of carbohydrates to protein.
To give it a holiday twist, try this Chocolate Peppermint Milk that’s made with candy canes.
Sleep —the Ultimate Recharge
Sleep is the best way for our bodies to recharge, repair, replenish, and renew. When sleeping, our muscles rest and are able to heal from the demands of the day. We burn the greatest ratio of fat as fuel overnight too!
While it may be tempting to stay up late and sleep in during the holiday break, try to maintain your typical sleep-wake cycle so it’s easier to adjust back to this schedule when school is back in session.
Practice Gratitude
Having a positive outlook and mindset helps you perform as an athlete and can also improve your immune system and mental health. During the holiday season and beyond, consider starting a new daily habit of writing down or typing up feelings of gratitude. This simple act that takes just minutes a day can be a powerful tool in helping you overcome difficult days, while also strengthening connections with those around you.
Resolve for Improvement
Don’t wait until the start of the year to make a fresh commitment to personal growth and development of new behaviors. Evaluate where you are now, reflecting on your future goals and how you will achieve them. It’s also incredibly important to position yourself around others that serve as a valuable support system to help you stay accountable.
Be kind. Be safe. Be fabulous. Be resilient. Be empathetic. Be generous. Be brave. Be strong. Be happy.
