The holiday season is a time filled with joy, family, and celebration—but it can also be full of challenges when it comes to maintaining your health goals. Think of your health journey like a road trip from Point A to Point B. You’ve mapped out your route, planned your stops, and feel confident about your destination. But then the holidays arrive, bringing a slew of detours—icy roads like family obligations, and traffic jams caused by busy schedules.
These detours can make staying on track feel overwhelming, but the key is to remember that your health goal remains the destination. It’s okay to adjust your route—what matters is that you keep moving forward.
Embracing the Detours
The most important thing to remember about holiday detours is that they don’t mean failure; they simply require a shift in strategy. If your usual gym routine isn’t feasible, consider a 30-minute home workout instead. Holidays can be stressful, and one of the most effective ways to reduce stress in the moment is to get a workout in. Even a virtual workout at home can make a big difference in helping you feel more relaxed and centered.
If time is short, focus on increasing your daily step count through activities like playing with the kids, parking further away from the store (also helps to avoid dents and scratches to your vehicle 😊), or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. With all the moving around we tend to do during the holidays, you might even reach your step goals without putting in any extra effort—a win-win!
When it comes to diet, eating out or attending holiday gatherings can feel like major roadblocks. But you can still make choices that align with your goals.
During holiday dinners, it's possible to stay on track with healthy eating by making mindful substitutions. Opt for lean proteins like turkey or chicken instead of fatty cuts of meat, and fill half your plate with vegetables. When it comes to dessert, try substituting your favorite fruit, like berries or sliced apples, for traditional sugary treats. This not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides fiber and essential nutrients, making it a healthier choice that doesn't derail your goals.
Don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions when dining out—double the protein, add extra vegetables, or skip the heavy sauces.
The Enemies of Habit Formation
One of the biggest obstacles to success during the holidays is the all-too-common start-and-stop cycle. This happens when you’re committed to a plan, but a setback—like an indulgent meal or missed workout—makes you feel like you’ve failed. Instead of pressing pause or giving up entirely, view these moments as detours. A single misstep doesn’t erase your progress, and you can always get back on track.
Another common pitfall is the pursuit of perfection. The idea that, “If I can’t follow my plan perfectly, I might as well give up,” is one of the biggest enemies of progress. The truth is, success comes from consistency over time, not flawless execution. Focus on the habits you can maintain, even if they’re not exactly what you originally planned.
Staying the Course
Holiday detours can feel frustrating, but they also provide opportunities to build resilience and adaptability. The object isn’t to avoid detours entirely but to navigate them with intention. By focusing on what you can control, making small adjustments, and letting go of the need for perfection, you’ll keep moving toward your destination.
Remember, it’s not about arriving exactly as planned—it’s about staying committed to your journey. Detours may slow you down, but they’ll never stop you unless you turn the car around. So, embrace the twists and turns of the holiday season, and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
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