Posted by Savneet Singh on Dec.19, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - kirza

The holiday season and the celebration time is around the corner. You would have a lots of parties, gatherings, potlucks and eating out plans with your friend and family. This togetherness will bring the lasting joy and happiness but this may also bring you to an excuse of staying away from fitness and healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that will keep you on the track of your a healthy routine:

Stay active no matter what: Remain active throughout the holiday season. Consider your exercise, workout or walk/run time as an appointment. You have to workout at least a 30 minutes 5 days a week. If you are pressed for time, divide your workout in two sessions according to your convenience.

Focus on people: The holidays are all about meeting people and family friends, spending time with them, chatting and laughing. Its not only about food. At times the focus remains only on food. Instead focus on your loved ones, activities and the traditions.

Think wisely: The holidays come once a year, with never-ending parties, gifts, events and food. Every other day you find yourself among unhealthy food. Decide which kind of food is worth splurging for and leave the rest of the food on the table.

Low-calorie recipes: If the party is at your place, focus on low cal recipes! Keep it low in fat and low in sugar as far as possible.

Visualize the consequences of eating out of temptation. Think that it will take weeks to bounce back to whatever unhealthy foods you are going to eat now.

Keep cleanliness in mind: Cold and flu season generally coincide with the holidays, so wash your hands before you cook or serve  food, visit out, grocery shop and finish the food. If you have a cold, wear a mask while in the kitchen.

Take a deep breath whenever you feel like eating something unhealthy. If you’re stressed or anxious, instead of reaching for a bag of fatty munchies like chips, focus on your breath. A few slow, steady breaths through the nose can calm exhausted nerves. Add a mantra: Inhale peace, exhale tension.

Make it “baked.” Skip the fried potatoes; bake them. Make wedges of potato or sweet potato. Brush some oil and add salt. Bake this in oven at 450F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Say ‘NO’: It becomes difficult to say no to food being served, but you have to do it. Taking a smaller portion shouldn’t offend the host.

Be positive: You might have overeaten or didn’t work out the previous day. But its OK. Human beings  make mistakes. Don’t panic. Just get back to your healthy routine the very next day.

Never skip food: If you skip your meal thinking that you have to eat in the party at night, do not do it. If you eat healthy food on a regular basis then it is less likely that you will overeat or have unhealthy food at the party.

Drink water: Wines, juices and eggnog are at every party. These drinks add empty calories to your food. Water or low-calorie juices are a better choice.

Plan out: It is not necessary to attend all the parties or be there till they end. Plan out. Do you really need to go there? This will cut back the time, money and energy.

Control potions size: Choose the salad-size plate. Go to the food table once and fill it with healthy food to your portion and cut the calories.

Race: Many cities have walking or racing events during the holidays. Find out one near you. These events are for charity and you can remain active by participating, in addition to doing something for a good cause.

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Posted under Fitness For Body & Mind, Health & Fitness.