When it comes to healthy habits, it’s easy to say, “I’ll get back on track after the holidays.” But if we’re being honest with ourselves, we know it’s not that simple. It takes time and practice to create habits, and when we get derailed, it’s often impossible to pick up where we left off. This holiday season, instead of giving up my hard-fought health routine, Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics wants to help you incorporate better choices! Try these four tips to make this holiday season healthier.

• Tweak your recipes. Cherished family recipes may be loaded with ingredients we’re better off avoiding. Swap sugar for applesauce and vanilla extract when possible and trade condensed milk for coconut milk. You can try tweaking your favorite recipes to avoid the over abundance of the “white death” we call sugar.

• Practice portion control. Feeling stuffed after a holiday meal seems to be synonymous with the season, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a big difference between being satisfied and feeling full. Not having seconds makes a big difference in how you’ll feel and how well you can stick to the rest of your healthy habits. Make it easier on yourself and cut down on the amount of food you serve.

• Don’t stop your workouts. It can be hard to squeeze in a workout if you’re traveling or hosting. If you aim for 10,000 steps, shoot for 15,000. It doesn’t feel like that much extra, especially if you can add it to your routine. Look for opportunities where you can reach your new goal, including walking when you’re on the phone or while reading. 

• Write your to-do list carefully. Your mental and emotional well-being isn’t worth sacrificing for the sake of the “perfect” meal, party, or gift. So for starters, add things like exercise and self-care to the TOP of your to-do list. This ensures you’ll have time for the things you need to do for yourself. You’ll enjoy your family and the season more if you feel good. If you need help from friends and family, ask for it. For example, if the gift giving tradition in your family has become too much, work together to come up with a new solution. Be realistic about what you can take on. Know your limits, and give yourself permission to speak up when you reach them.

Pitfalls don’t have to be part of our holiday traditions! By taking small steps, we can make sure we stick to our healthy habits now and in the future!

From all of us at Chattanooga Non-surgical Orthopedics, Merry Christmas and have a happy, safe, good habit new year!

#bestinchattanooga

423-499-0003