Health Tips

Staying healthy during the holidays this year

Holiday celebrations are filled with tradition, memories, and a lot of delicious food! Many people worry about the potential for rich food, cold weather, and busy schedules to derail healthy lifestyle choices. It’s no surprise that the most popular New Year’s resolution is losing weight.

However, the holiday season does not need to derail your efforts to be your healthy best. It can be heard to get a New Years resolution to stick, so starting your healthy habits early sets you up for maximum success.

Approach food with a neutral mindset

Choose well: There are no “good” and “bad” foods—only good and bad eating habits. Serving yourself a sensible portion of a favorite, not going back for seconds, and eating slowly and thoughtfully are some great ways to stay on track.
Eat regular meals: Choose meals that are balanced, provide a steady stream of energy, repair and restore your body, and help manage stress and prevent mood swings.
Take control: Before a holiday event, eat a snack or light meal. Include a source of protein to help you feel satisfied. Quick snacks include a small apple with peanut butter, hummus and carrot sticks, leftover cooked chicken, a hardboiled egg.
Serve small portions. The first bite or two always taste best. You’ll get just as much enjoyment and feel better if you avoid eating until you feel stuffed.
Eat slowly and mindfully. Savor each bite. Drink water between bites and put down your utensils.

After a meal, go for a walk to see holiday displays and spend time with others.

Get started with Vida today

Get started with Vida today

Download Vida Health from the app store on your phone to sign up. You’ll need to select “your employer name” as your organization when you sign up.

Stay the course during social events

Applying the SMART criteria to your goals helps turn abstract ideas into actionable plans. Your goals should provide a clear roadmap, increase motivation, and enhance the likelihood of success. But there are a lot of fun activities during the holidays that can distract us from our goals. Here are a few tips to consider this year to make your goals more achievable.

Don’t arrive at a party famished. Eat normally the day of your party. Don’t expect to overindulge at the event, but instead practice mindful eating techniques to balance fun food with your body’s needs.
Offer to bring your favorite healthy dish to holiday parties. Choose from your favorite Vida recipes to bring to a holiday party this year! Or try a festive dish themed red and green — with veggies! That way you’re guaranteed at least one healthy dish.
Scan the desserts before deciding. Examine all of your options, then decide on the one you want most. Understanding and reflecting on what your body really wants will help mitigate overeating.
Focus on non-food fun. Enjoy the good company and holiday cheer. Make a plan to speak to several people or introduce yourself to someone new and focus on the conversation.
Work out before you go. By working out before your holiday festivities, you’ll have great energy, and you’ll have given yourself a little gift.