How to Keep Your Health on Track Through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and (let’s be honest) plenty of indulging in food. With Halloween candy, Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas cookies, and New Year’s parties all packed into just a few months, it can feel like sticking to your fitness goals is nearly impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you plan ahead, make smart choices, and keep a balance, you can enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your fitness progress. Here are a few tips on how:
Finding time to hit the gym can be challenging with all the holiday activities. The good news is that you don’t need to spend hours working out to stay fit. Short, high-intensity workouts (think HIIT or bodyweight circuits) can be just as effective at maintaining your fitness. Even a quick 20 to 30-minute session can get your heart pumping and muscles working. Plus, with the intensity of these workouts, you’ll be burning calories long after you’ve finished.
Pro tip: Set aside just 20 minutes daily for a quick workout—it’s manageable even with a busy holiday schedule.
During the holidays, the goal should be maintenance rather than trying to set new personal bests. If you can maintain your current fitness level through the season, consider it a win. You don’t need to overcomplicate things. Stick to your routine as much as possible and don’t stress if you can’t do your usual full workout.
Pro tip: Focus on getting in movement every day, whether it’s a workout, a walk, or even an active family outing like hiking or ice skating.
There’s no need to avoid holiday treats altogether—after all, food is part of the celebration! The key is to enjoy it in moderation. Be mindful of your portion sizes and try to balance indulgent meals with healthier ones. For example, if you know you’re going to a holiday party later in the day, have a lighter, more nutritious breakfast and lunch.
Pro tip: Fill your plate with healthy options first (think veggies and lean proteins) before diving into desserts and rich sides.
With all the excitement and festivities, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water can help curb your appetite, especially when surrounded by tempting snacks. It’s also important if you’re indulging in alcohol, as staying hydrated can help prevent hangovers and keep your energy levels steady.
Pro tip: Aim to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage, and make sure you’re sipping water throughout the day.
The holidays can be stressful, and stress often leads to overeating or skipping workouts. Prioritize self-care by carving out some time for activities that help you relax—whether that’s meditation, stretching, or simply getting enough sleep. When you take care of your mental health, it’s easier to make good decisions about your physical health, too.
Pro tip: Even 10 minutes of meditation or stretching can go a long way to managing holiday stress.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until January 1st to focus on their health. The reality is that you don’t need a new year to make better choices. Consider incorporating small, manageable changes now, whether it's committing to shorter workouts, eating more vegetables, or simply moving more.
Pro tip: Set mini-goals for each week of the holiday season. This can be as simple as drinking more water, hitting a certain step count, or doing three workouts a week.
Conclusion: Balance is the Key
Staying fit during the holidays is all about balance. Take advantage of the holiday, spend time with your loved ones, and don't punish yourself for skipping a workout or eating a few extra cookies. Maintaining fitness is all about making small, mindful choices that help you reach your goals. This balanced approach to the holidays will let you enjoy yourself without jeopardizing your health goals and will make the new year interesting.