Healthy Holiday Habits
Starting healthy habits and exercises before Thanksgiving is a great way to build momentum for the holiday season. Here are three practical, health-boosting habits and exercises you can start now to feel great by Thanksgiving:
1. Daily Walks for Cardiovascular Health and Stress Relief
- Habit: Commit to a daily walk for at least 20-30 minutes. This can be a brisk walk in the morning or a relaxing stroll after dinner.
- Exercise Benefit: Walking boosts cardiovascular health, aids digestion, and is excellent for mental well-being.
- Tip: Invite family members to join, so it becomes a shared activity. This can help build a sense of routine and accountability.
2. Strength Training for Core and Upper Body
- Habit: Aim to do bodyweight exercises like planks, push-ups, and squats three times a week. Start with shorter sessions (about 10-15 minutes) and increase as you feel stronger.
- Exercise Benefit: Strength training builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and prepares you for carrying heavy grocery bags or Thanksgiving setups without strain.
- Tip: Try incorporating resistance bands or light weights if you have them, but bodyweight exercises are just as effective for starting out.
3. Mindful Eating Practice
- Habit: Practice eating mindfully at each meal by slowing down, focusing on flavors, and paying attention to hunger cues. Set down your utensils between bites, and savor each meal.
- Exercise Benefit: Mindful eating can help regulate portion sizes, improve digestion, and foster a healthier relationship with food—important during food-centered holidays.
- Tip: Try to eat at least one meal a day without distractions (like screens or phones) to get into the habit of mindful eating.
Starting these habits early can help you feel more energized, fit, and ready to enjoy the holiday season in a balanced way!
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