How to stay healthy during the holidays

The holiday season is just around the corner. It brings with it lazy lunches, long days spent relaxing and family outings. It is easy to become unhealthy during the holidays as many use this time to relax and indulge in the finer things in life. But, it is important to try to stay healthy during the holiday period.

If you do not feel as though you can maintain your health during the festive season, many options for health insurance in South Africa offer incentives to remain fit and active. To remain at your optimal health levels, read on below for some top tips on how to stay healthy during the holidays.

Avoid overeating

Many of us think of holidays and indulgence as going hand-in-hand. Food is a major theme of the holidays, which can make it very easy to overeat, but you should work hard to avoid this trend. You should try to moderate your food intake during meal times, especially if it is a special occasion.

An effective way to avoid overeating is to eat slowly, as your brain takes up to 20 minutes to let you know you are full. You should skip having appetisers and only eat a main meal and dessert, or you could switch it up and skip dessert and only eat a starter and a main meal. Try to fill half of your plate with vegetables whenever you can and drink plenty of water, as often we mistake thirst for hunger. Choose the dishes you most enjoy eating rather than forcing yourself to eat everything on your plate.

Stay consistent with your workouts

You might not be able to do your usual workouts, but you should aim to get in at least 30 minutes of activity every day during the holidays. You can do this by going for a brisk walk or jog in the morning or evening, which can help towards maintaining your weight during the festive period.

Making sure that you are active in the holidays will ensure that you stay healthy, which will please any health insurance in South Africa. Healthy members are their ultimate goal. Be sure that if you do slack on your exercise for a day or two that you make it up by staying active on days when you are not busy. Consistent exercise is one of the best ways to avoid putting on weight when everyone else is over-indulging.

Don’t make everything about food

While it is fun to enjoy your favourite puddings and meals during the festive period, it is important that you try not to focus too much on food. For example, instead of scheduling your days around the next big meal, take part in a fun activity such as playing games together as a family or going for a walk in a nearby park.

By taking the focus off of food, you will avoid overeating and indulging. Encourage your children and partner to do the same or take the initiative and plan inclusive activities for everyone. If you are catering a party during the holidays, try to make the focus more on the meaning of the occasion instead of the meal you have prepared. By not focusing on food, you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the season.

Prevent illness

Hugs, kisses and hand shakes are common at family and friend gatherings. While it is polite to reciprocate these gestures, they can cause you to get sick very easily. You can prevent contracting illnesses by washing your hands regularly and keeping a hand sanitiser in an easy-to-reach place if you are going out.

If any of your family members or friends are sick, you should remind them to cough or sneeze with their mouths and noses covered so that they do not infect anyone else. If you yourself get sick then you should take time out from the festivities and rest. Stay away from people who are sneezing and coughing, which can be difficult at family gatherings but it will help you to avoid becoming sick. Any health insurance in South Africa will cover your medication costs during the holidays, so be sure to stock up on essentials.

Celebrate mindfully

You do not have to curb your enthusiasm for your favorite holiday, but you should be mindful of how much you eat, drink and exercise during this time. You will need to take time for yourself if you are feeling exhausted, and be sure not to stretch yourself too thin with engagements and obligations.

Try to avoid overeating despite all of the temptation in front of you and maintain the same level of activity you have during the rest of the year.