Jump to main navigationJump to page content

YMCA of Central Stark County

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Keeping it Healthy

Preparation & Planning keeps the holiday’s healthier

When the holiday season rolls around it’s a time to celebrate with family and friends as well as come up with a festive menu. Celebrations are usually associated with a lot of fun and food, one may ask, how do you plan and prepare for the occasion if you are trying to keep and stay healthy? No need to fret, holidays don’t have to mean throw all good habits out the window and return to unhealthy traditions! There are ways to stay on track and still enjoy your holiday season!

Here are a few tips on how to have a successful healthy holiday;

  • Focus on keeping your food portions light and balanced. Especially if you have more than one house to attend. Make sure to include vegetables and fruit on your plate.
  • 2. Be realistic. Instead of trying to lose weight over the holiday season, because you know you will be eating, try to focus your goal on maintaining your weight.
  • 3. Plan time during the holiday to get your exercise in. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and avoid weight gain. A 10-15 minute workout routine is better than no routine at all, and will definitely help offset any weight gain or unhealthy habits during the holidays.
  • 4. So that you’re less likely to over-indulge at a holiday celebration, eat a light snack prior to attending or bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering. Don’t attend a celebration hungry, for you will be tempted to eat everything you see!
  • 5. Enjoy your food options, but don’t pile up your plate with food you know you won’t finish. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Enjoy your favorite holiday treats while being mindful of portion size.
  • 6. Watch out for holiday beverages. Alcohol and sugary non-alcoholic beverages not only pack calories, but they can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating.
  • 7. Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking options. Such as preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories or replacing an unhealthy food choice with a healthier one. Little changes will help promote healthy holiday eating.
  • 8. Start new healthy traditions! Have family members come up with a healthy dish and determine which one will be added to the family’s holiday tradition.

Make it right, get it tight during the Holidays!!

Crystal Winfrey-Ellington

Wellness Director
Eric Snow Family YMCA