“Holidays are about creating cherished memories with loved ones and finding magic in the simplest moments.”
~Jeremiah Say
Finding Balance During the Holiday Season
We’re quickly approaching the holiday season—my favorite time of year. I love the colors, the smells, the decorations, and the sense of celebration in the air. It’s a time filled with parties, delicious food and drinks, and hopefully plenty of moments spent with the people you care about.
But for many, this season can also mean unintentional weight gain. Between a busier schedule, skipped workouts, and the abundance of festive treats, extra calories can add up fast.
One guideline I always share—both for myself and the people I work with—is simple: focus on maintaining during the holidays, not making big progress. With the likelihood of eating more than usual, the best thing you can do is keep your workouts going. Don’t skip them, and if possible, try to add an extra one here and there.
A few helpful strategies:
Plan ahead for parties. Eat a healthy meal beforehand so you’re not showing up starving.
Protect your sleep. When you’re tired, you’re far more likely to make poor choices around food.
Be mindful with take-home sweets. If you’re gifted extra treats, consider sharing them or donating them instead of keeping them around the house. Reducing temptation goes a long way.
Create traditions that aren’t centered around food. Take a family walk, sign up for a 5K, volunteer at the Houston Food Bank—there are countless ways to celebrate the season while staying active and connected.
And to be clear—enjoy the holiday meals that truly matter. Savor a special dinner or two with your family without stressing about calories or what the scale might say afterward. There are times when the best thing you can do is simply enjoy good food and good company.
This holiday season, I encourage you to find a healthy balance: get your workouts in, be mindful of what you eat, and also take time to fully enjoy everything that makes this season so special.
Weekly Movement Motivation!
Onward & Upward my Friends…
