The much-awaited festive season is here! Sure you are making plans to celebrate Christmas, New Year, and Pongal with friends and family. This is indeed a great time to enjoy and to have fun, especially after the gruelling months of the pandemic. But many of you may have already realised that it is a challenge to stay fit in the midst of all the fun, celebration, and togetherness. In fact, you may be wondering how some people manage to maintain their fitness levels despite the temptations all around.
In this post, we would like to share some easy tips to help you stay fit this festive season.
1. Stay energetic
Allotting time for workouts during the festive season is not easy but you definitely can plan get-togethers that involve a walk along the beach, some games in the park, or a neighbourhood stroll. Walking to the nearby stores or to your hang-out spot instead of taking your two / four-wheeler is a healthier alternative.
2. Play with your kids/grandkids/friends
A nice picnic in the park, outdoor games like Frisbee, Kho Kho, 7 tiles, Cricket, Badminton, and Cycling are some great bonding activities for multi-generation families and for friends. Kids can come up with their own creative games too but the only rule is it should be an active one.
3. Move more sit less
There may be many interesting programs on the TV but remember that long hours of sitting can bring a lot of trouble. Take short walks between serials, spread your household chores in such a way that you get up and move every 30 minutes and just do some simple stretches and on-spot exercises to get the muscles working and the blood circulating.
4. Aim for a colourful meal every day
Most of the foods that we eat during the festive season are fried, oily, baked and loaded with lots of calories. Including more fruits and vegetables in various dishes is a great way to compensate for the festive indulgence. Naturally available foods are rich in fibres, minerals, and nutrients and are fat-free; in short, they are the best way to ensure a glowing skin, a healthy gut, and complete wellbeing.
5. Be mindful of what you eat
Mindful eating simply means enjoying whatever you eat by chewing properly and relishing the food, taking time to eat and not rushing, watching the portion size, and stopping when you feel satisfied (or even before that) so that you feel good at the end of the meal and not stuffed or bursting. Avoid the unhealthy cycle of binge eating and then fasting.
6. Keep oil to a minimum and do not reuse oil
While keeping oil consumption low is a great idea, you may be tempted to reuse the leftover oil for some other dish but beware (!) – repeated heating of any oil leads to the formation of trans-fats which are the worst type of fats and are extremely harmful to the heart, the blood vessels and all the organs.
7. Drink more water
Drinking a few glasses of water before a big party will make you feel fuller, eat lesser and get your digestive system going at the same time. Limit the consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and choose fresh juices (no added sugar) instead.
8. Stick to a bedtime routine
Late night parties are best avoided or wrapped up early as unhealthy meals with lack of sleep is a deadly combo. Schedule early dinners if possible and try to have at least an hour or two between dinner and bedtime. Getting a good night’s sleep of 7-8 hours is the best thing you can do for yourself.
9. Plan ahead
A little bit of proactive thinking and planning will come in handy this festive season. If you are hosting parties, ensure you provide adequate options for those guests who may be calorie conscious or on a restricted diet due to some health condition. Likewise, let your hosts know beforehand your dietary preferences if you are invited to a get-together.
10. Cheer up, say thank you
Remember, this season is all about loving, caring, being thankful, and spreading good cheer. Being emotionally well is a major part of being physically fit. So, unleash your creative talents and come up with the most innovative ways to say “Thank You” to all those who have made your year a memorable one.
Team Cardiac Wellness Institute takes this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a wonderful festive season – a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a Happy Pongal! Stay safe, follow COVID safety protocols, and have a fit start to the New Year!