As the holiday season approaches, it can become more difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle. The party season may get into full swing, the drinks are flowing, there is an abundance of unhealthy food on offer, and temptation can be too much to resist. However, just because the festivities have begun doesn’t mean that you have to forfeit your healthy lifestyle – you simply need to think a little more outside of the box and be more proactive and deliberate in your choices.
Everyone knows about the importance of healthy eating to maintain good physical and mental well being. But, there are other aspects of your life that are worthy of consideration. Take a look at these three simple ways that you can lead a healthier lifestyle even over the holiday season.
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Food
The Christmas turkey, cakes, puddings and treats on offer might be tempting, but you should limit your intake of sugary and fat laden morsels. However, don’t banish them altogether. Moderation is key. If you are at a party and the canapes are irresistible, have a couple. Just don’t eat a dozen. If the pudding on offer is a decadent and rich chocolate affair, share it with a pal. By enjoying little tasters of the treats on offer, you aren’t piling on the calories but you can still enjoy a sample of what is available.
If you struggle with your diet, ensure that you eat the rainbow. Choose colorful vegetables to add to your diet every day and mix up the way you cook them. Steamed vegetables are great with steak or lean meats. Alternatively, if you don’t want to cook steak regularly, you can freeze cooked steak and use it for a couple of months. Stir-fries are perfect accompaniments to spicy dishes. And raw vegetables can be the perfect way to maximize the nutrients that you are putting into your body. Swap the refined white carbs for whole grains and eat plenty of lean meat and fish rather than convenience food and fatty takeaways. While you’re making all of these meals, you can ensure that you’re living a healthy lifestyle by embracing an organic lifestyle and investing in eco-friendly products like those mentioned on the blog pages of Smart Organic Living. It may also offer you a sense of fulfillment to know that you’re doing your part to save the earth we live on.
Get Active
Just because the winter is drawing in and the evenings are getting colder, you shouldn’t be sitting in front of your TV watching your favorite box set every night. You need to be proactive and get out there. While jogging around the park late at night in the dark isn’t safe, you can head to the gym. Take a pal and make it a more sociable affair. You could add an element of friendly competition and race one another over 5k on the treadmill. Perhaps you enjoy the fun filled boxing and spin classes. Or maybe you want to tone up and the dumbells are calling you. Get active and find yourself utilizing your gym membership.
If you are reliant on your car, make sure that you use public transport a little more and get off a stop early when commuting to work. This can see you walking a little further and being in the great outdoors a little more. All too often we can become cooped up in our place of work never to see the light of day. Natural light is a real mood lifter, so ensure that you go for a brief walk every day. The sunlight also regulates your body clock and can help you sleep better.
Cars are getting a bad reputation for their gas guzzling and environment damaging properties. By taking the bus you are doing your bit for the environment. You might also limit your chances of being in a collision. Head to The NBA Law Firm and see the most common causes of car collisions. Limit your chances of getting into an accident by foregoing your vehicle altogether.
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Relax
Stress is becoming more prominent in twenty first century living. If you have an overbearing boss at work, you have unrealistic targets to meet or you are working overtime, it can be difficult to relax. However, you must find the time to pursue your own interests. This might mean heading to play soccer on the weekend, venturing to the gym in the evening or relaxing in the tub with your favorite book. Don’t ever risk burnout and strive to find the ideal work life balance. If you don’t, you may find yourself suffering from chronic stress.
Mindfulness is seen as a great way to help you worry less about what might not even happen in the future and remain more in the present. This is good to help you clarify your thoughts, stay focused on the here and now, and become less nervous about potential future outcomes. Check out the courses local to you and train your mind to manage stress in a more effective way.
Leading a healthy lifestyle can be tricky to maintain, especially when the holiday season could throw a spanner in the works. However, follow this guide, stay active, eat well, and relax, and you can maintain a healthier and happier existence.
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