• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

my spring race plans

a week of exploring new things

5 fitness superstitions

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / healthy holiday do’s + don’ts

healthy holiday do’s + don’ts

November 22, 2019      7 Comments

Prioritizing a a healthy holiday season doesn’t sound exciting, but if you’re trying to stick to a wellness regimen it’s not hard to make it a priority.

healthy holiday

Just a few simple do’s and don’ts can keep you on track through the holidays and into the new year. There are so many commitments, distractions and important events in the last weeks of the year, so now is the time to take a deep breath and set your game plan.

Don’t… OVERinduge

Overdoing it is so easy this time of year. It seems like there are savories, sweets and cocktails everywhere you turn. That being said, it’s absolutely ok to treat yourself in moderation. A piece of pie or spiked eggnog shouldn’t derail your wellness plans in the longterm, so consider the holidays the exception, rand indulge within reason.

healthy holiday

unsplash-logoAlexander Mils

Don’t… use the time of year as an excuse

We can’t deny the holidays can be full of commitments and tough to navigate, but don’t make that your excuse. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and with a little planning, you can still manage a very healthy holiday. Don’t automatically write off all your efforts because things get a little tricky. Something is always better than nothing. Conversely, don’t miss out on great moments because of exercise plans. Balance is key, and it’s more than ok to miss the morning miles for a fabulous date night every time.

Don’t… fall prey to internal negativity

Whatever you do, please don’t let that negative chatter get in your head. The holidays can be so full of fun and celebration, but anxiety and stress are notorious for ruining a good time. Be proactive so you can stay on top of your own mental health and wellbeing: visit your therapist, get a massage or manicure, hit the mat for a yoga session, or read a good book in a hot bath. Make time for your own self care.

healthy holiday
unsplash-logoNik Shuliahin

Don’t… punish yourself

In a similar vein, punishment is not the answer. So you overdid at the neighbor’s New Year’s party. The solution is absolutely not to drag your hungover self out to a two hour gym session as atonement. Shake it off and move on. Tomorrow is another day.

healthy holiday
unsplash-logoDanielle Cerullo

Do… sign up for that Turkey Trot

Or Gingerbread Man Dash or New Year’s Resolution Run. Having something on the calendar keeps your mind focused on a healthy holiday. Bonus: holiday runs are usually pretty fun, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting family and friends to join you.

healthy holiday

Do… pack your fitness gear if you leave town

Failure to plan is planning to fail. Grabbing your gym clothes when you head out of town is the first step in succeeding. Make use of the hotel gym, your in-law’s neighborhood, or explore a new city on your own two feet.

healthy holiday

Do… hold yourself accountable

Things are always easier when you have accountability. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy or insurmountable (in fact, it shouldn’t be).

healthy holiday

At the very least, I’ll be tackling the #HolidaySweat Challenge, committing to at least 10 minutes of activity every day. I think, between scheduled workouts, and things like walking around theme parks, shopping centers and other fun things, I’ve got it covered.

Do… be flexible and creative

Let’s face it: the holidays are packed with plans. We’ve got parties and vacation days, dinners and events. Quite frankly, this time of year is a scheduling nightmare. It’s almost impossible to keep on track, so your regular fitness or meal prep schedule might go a little haywire. Instead of getting down on yourself for a missed class or less-than-nutrient-dense meal, roll with it. Make up your run as soon as you can, and do your best with food options. It’s all you can ask of yourself.

healthy holiday

Most importantly…

Do… enjoy

Guys, the holidays should be the time for enjoyment. We should give ourselves permission to let go and take advantage of all the holidays have to offer. Eat, drink, be merry, and soak up all the love around you. That’s what it should be all about.

healthy holiday

So there you have it: my do’s and don’ts for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Tell me how you keep your wellness on track over the next month and a half 🙂

We are also joining in with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness, so check out that link up and share your week in fitness!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly Hatting says

    November 22, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    I’ve gotten so my daily (early morning) fitness just happens, without even really having to think about it. I do exercise a bit of flexibility in there if we’re traveling, etc., but I don’t stress out about making up a missed workout if things get altered with my plans. It’s life, and it’s the holidays 😉

    Reply
  2. De Bolton says

    November 23, 2019 at 12:01 am

    Great tips for staying healthy in the holidays.

    Reply
  3. Deborah Brooks says

    November 23, 2019 at 12:09 am

    The holiday sweat challenge is always fun! I agree about not punishing yourself for eating more than you intended
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…Fast Friday- Stretch Smart Infrared Sauna and Stretch ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    November 23, 2019 at 12:11 am

    Great advice! Working out is key to keep my sanity so when things get hectic with holiday plans I find a crave a workout even more.

    Reply
  5. Elaine D says

    November 23, 2019 at 1:14 am

    I think when there are already habits in place to nourish our wellness, then it becomes a norm even in the midst of the holidays. We value our wellness that we don’t even second guess our choices.
    Elaine D recently posted…From Fraps to Simply Black Coffee – Less Sugar PleaseMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Farrah says

    November 23, 2019 at 3:26 am

    Great list! I’m a big fan of “everything in moderation!” :] I think it’s important not to stress out too much and to enjoy!

    Reply
  7. Renée says

    November 23, 2019 at 10:38 am

    a resounding YES to all of these Jenn! I couldn’t have said it any better!

    I think at this point in my life, my fitness is such a priority that I always have this in mind. Because, let’s face it, if it’s not the holidays it’s something else! It’s your anniversary, it’s vacation, it’s someone’s birthday, it’s a party or a BBQ… I mean, this is LIFE right? So being flexible and always ready to squeeze something in is just part of it. But so is not being hard on yourself and not letting internal negativity bring you down.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • my spring race plans
  • a week of exploring new things
  • 5 fitness superstitions
  • race report: raptor run 3k
  • my visit to the local stretch zone

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run.

I worked through some cardio under the blue skies and in the fresh air and then came home to @runsmartofficial’s base building boot camp. 

There was A LOT of focus on balance and feet and ankles, as well as ground work in the form of different planks and push-ups. 

The movements were small but effective and my legs are certainly burning! It’s going to get harder as we go, but I’m excited to spend more time on my stability and form, to see if it makes me stronger and more efficient over time.

What was on your workout calendar today?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This morning, I started on a new training plan wit This morning, I started on a new training plan with @runsmartofficial. I have a goal race in May, so I am going to see if I can make some improvements along the way.

I can admit that I am built more for distance than speed, but I am taking a crack and improving my pace over the next ten weeks. Keep your fingers crossed 🤞🏻!

Anyone else starting a new training plan and cycle?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Was alpaca 🦙 yoga postponed due to weather? Yes Was alpaca 🦙 yoga postponed due to weather? Yes.

Did I get over it and take myself on a walk instead? Yes.

Did my @getsprints pickle visor lead to a cool surprise? Also yes!

Are you running or racing today? Tell me about it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! We were luck Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! We were lucky to have cool weather and blue skies for our run.

Planning on an untraditional celebration with some plans around town, but thinking I can snag a green beer along the way!

How are you enjoying this Friday?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
And here we are. Back in the 30s. Can the weather And here we are. Back in the 30s. Can the weather make up her mind already?

Anyone else have whiplash from the back and forth of temps and conditions? Sheesh!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Have you ever raced a Raptor? I did and while the Have you ever raced a Raptor? I did and while the Raptor beat me, I had a blast the whole way!

Congratulations to the @staugalligatorfarm for another fantastic event. It was a beautiful morning, with lots of enthusiastic runners and walkers, and we were so happy to be there. 

A portion of proceeds went to benefit Orianne Center for Indigo Snake Conservation (OCIC) and AZA Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), partnering to celebrate Eastern indigo snakes, which makes the race even more important.

Come take a peek at how the morning went and head over to the blog to read more about it! (Link in bio) https://runswithpugs.com/2023/03/15/race-report-raptor-run-3k/

#raptorrun #running #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40 #WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #ShareTheSpark #SkirtSports #MomentumJewelry #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
When the time changes and you are back to running When the time changes and you are back to running in the dark. It’s not the worst thing, although I’ll like it better when it’s not quite so cold.

Are you back to running in the dark?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Let’s talk about PI DAY! I LOVE pie, and here m Let’s talk about PI DAY!

I LOVE pie, and here my favorite places to score pie around town!

🥧 Grab a breakfast Aussie pie at @thekookaburra. I love the True Blue with cheddar and bacon or the Corker, with sausage and pepper Jack.

🥧 pizza by the slice at @biggiespizza is perfect! Peep that pepperoni! 

🥧 A pie speakeasy? Don’t mind if I do! Head over to @mixedfillingspieshop to see what the ladies have baked up! This chocolate lava pie is absolute perfection!

🥧 Get your pies to go at @sweetcravingsbyshar. I love the apple, while my kiddo adores the key lime!

Where’s your favorite place to celebrate Pi Day?

#piday #pie #pizzapie #fruitpies #firstcoastfavorites #yelpjax #yelpjacksonville #locallove #aussiepies #staugustine #jaxfoodie #nationalpiday #pieinthesky #yelpelite #yelpelitesquad #firstcoastfoodies
Another ten mile hike. We started a little later t Another ten mile hike. We started a little later today, since the weather was cooler and it went well. 

We have a 15 and a 20 to go! Any suggestions for trails in the St Augustine/Jax area? We are always looking for new places to explore!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Raise your hand if you got stuck in a thunderstorm Raise your hand if you got stuck in a thunderstorm ⛈️ this morning and had to put your run on pause to be safe.

🖐️ 

Waiting around to head out again in a few hours. Not my favorite. 

Anyone else getting nasty weather today? i know some of you are still dealing with snow and ice, and that’s no fun either.

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!