The Humbled Homemaker: 10 Steps to Keep Fit During the Holidays

I'm so excited to have contributing writer, Mary, of The Encouraging Home, posting today! Mary knows a lot about maintaining a healthy lifestyle--and she does it while living on a farm and homeschooling her two boys! Be sure to stop by her blog--The Encouraging Home!

Image by sh0dan

This is the most difficult time of the year to be healthy and keep fit. There are parties and sweets everywhere. It is okay to enjoy these things with family and friends, but in moderation. To stay healthy during this season, you must have a plan to stay fit and healthy.

Image by getwired

Drink plenty of water – You normally need to drink at least 8 glasses of water for your health. If you are tempted to fill up on sweets, drink an extra glass or two of water to control your appetite. It is good for your health, keeps you hydrated, and flushes the junk from your system. Add lemon in to remove toxins and add flavor. Add in a few drops of liquid Stevia to make lemonade. Peppermint essential oil is excellent to add in for digestion.

Image by porah

2. Get enough sleep- It is so easy this time of year to get up early and stay up late with all that has to be accomplished. It is important to have enough sleep to keep your immune system functioning properly as well as having enough energy to get through the holidays. As a bonus, you will be a nicer person to be around.

3. Take your vitamins and supplements- When you are so busy, it is easy to forget to continue with your health routine. During this time of busyness and sickness, you need to keep your immune system built up.

Image by januszek

4. Remember to eat regularly – Do you ever forget to eat when you are so busy? I do. Then I am hungry and often choose junk food for a quick energy boost, which makes me feel worse. One thing healthy, fit people know, is that you must maintain a consistent eating schedule. Remember to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day off right and then choose healthy snacks in between meals.

5. Try to eat healthy when possible- You know that you are going to be at places where there is unhealthy food. Try to choose the healthy options when possible. A good source for healthy snacks is Healthy Holidays. If you do eat sugary snacks, try to do so in moderation.

6. Give yourself permission to cheat a little- You know you are going to do it, so do not beat yourself up about it. Tell yourself that you can have a few sweet treats every so often, so you will not go crazy when you finally do eat sweets.

Image by LotusHead

7. Continue or begin an exercise routine –It is important to stick with your exercise routine. If you continue during the holidays, you will not have as much work to do afterwards. My exercise of choice it T-Tapp. It is designed to cleanse the lymphatic system while you are losing inches. You can work out for 15 minutes using no equipment and a little space. This is a wonderful fitness program for anyone, but especially for moms who do not have much time.

If you are interested in seeing what T-Tapp has done for me, click here.

Image by cienpies

8. Set goals for your fitness program – Determine that you will work out for 15 or 30 minutes at least 3 times each week. Or decide that you will walk on the treadmill so many days per week. Setting goals will keep you on track. Don’t wait to make getting fit part of your New Year’s Resolution, start now. You will be thankful that you did when January comes.

Image by Wia-Tirol

9. If you fall off the fitness wagon, climb back on- Sickness, stress, and this busy time of year makes it easy to quit exercising. I have been falling off the wagon most of the year and running after it to climb back on. I feel much better when I can start back.

Image by zitherica

10. Listen to your body and rest when needed-Try not to stress out about all the good things you should be doing. This season is stressful enough without adding to it. There are times when you just need to rest, when all of your plans fall apart. I am experiencing this right now due to sickness. None of my plans are being accomplished. I am starting to do a few things as I feel like it, because I know it will help me heal quicker. Give yourself a break and do not put too much pressure on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day. Enjoy the holidays as much as you can.

What do you do to stay healthy during the holidays?

Mary is a farm girl, wife, and homeschooling mom to 2 sons. She is passionate about her faith, family, homeschooling, healthy living and tries to find balance in it all, as well as farm life. She blogs at The Encouraging Home where she tries to encourage others in life and to stay focused on the Lord and the things that truly matter, even through stress, chaos, and trials. It is her desire that women will rise up and take back the challenge of raising their children for the Lord, so we can change future generations and our nation.