Skip to Main Content
tips-for-upcoming-holidays||Friends having a great time in cafe

12 Ways to Avoid Unhealthy Traps During the Holidays

The holidays can be busy, but a wonderful time for most people! Try to focus on those things you can control over the next several weeks, and stay on the path towards a healthy lifestyle. Recruit support from friends and family to join you on this venture.

Problem: No time for exercise
Solution: Be Creative

  • Get up 10 minutes early and do yoga at home
  • Bundle up and go for a walk
  • Do crunches or squats during TV commercials
  • Get your family moving together with charades or an activity challenge

Problem: Parties with endless food options
Solution: Don’t go hungry to a party.

  • Have a fiber-rich snack before you go
  • Bring a healthy food contribution like fresh fruit or baked goods made with less sugar
  • Stay hydrated throughout the party alternating water with “other drinks”
  • Practice mindful eating

Problem: Traveling or staying with relatives
Solution: Plan ahead and recruit support.

  • Bring along snack options that fit into your meal plan
  • Offer to go grocery shopping when you get into town
  • Bring a reusable water bottle and keep it with you, bring some sugar-free drinks packets to boost the flavor
  • Let the family know the healthy changes you have made and invite them to join your exercise routine or try new foods

Each person will have different strategies but these are a few ideas to keep you surviving and thriving during the holidays!

Ellen Thomsen, MS, RD, LMNT, CDE, IFNCP™
Ellen Thomsen, MS, RD, LMNT, CDE, IFNCP™

Ellen Thomsen, MS, RD, LMNT, CDE is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner. She is the diabetes education program coordinator at CHI Health and sees patients at the Millard Clinic. She works with patients to identify root causes to health conditions and make changes to improve overall health. Ellen’s passion is to help others develop lifestyle habits that allow them to feel their best.

Related Articles

Feeling the Burn? Help for Heartburn Sufferers

SEP 26, 2023

Acid reflux is caused when the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach relaxes inappropriately, allowing food to go backwards.

Read More

Target Heart Rate? 4 Reasons Not to Sweat It

SEP 21, 2023

If you’ve ever wondered what number is ideal for your fitness, or even tried to hit a “target” heart rate, our provider has some tips for you.

Read More

Kidney Stone Survival Guide

SEP 19, 2023

Kidney stones have a reputation for causing a tremendous amount of pain. While they can be excruciating, the good news is pain can be controlled and permanent damage can be avoided if treated promptly.

Read More