The holiday season is a perfect time to get out and travel. Maybe you’re going halfway across the world. Maybe you’re going two cities away to visit grandma. Or maybe you’re staying right at home. Whatever your plans are, be sure to remember that just because we have a lengthy break from school or work doesn’t mean we’re off the hook for staying healthy and fit. Here are some tips to ensure that you have a more healthful holiday season.

Take up learning how to cook

Take advantage of your time off of work or school and pick up a new hobby – healthy cooking! Often times when we eat out, we aren’t sure just how much extra sodium or sugar are added to our meals to make them tastier. By cooking for yourself, you can better manage what you are putting into your body. Home cooking is a fun way to ensure that you are eating well!

Log your food

Logging our food helps hold us accountable for what we consume, whether it be through food or drinks. This is especially important during the holiday season when we are tempted by alcohol, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of dessert.

Sleep!

Isn’t this just the best – and easiest – advice? The less we sleep, the more we eat. Sleep deprivation increases our appetite, making it harder for us to resist those tasty holiday treats. So use your time off of work and school to rest and sleep. Your body, and mind, will thank you for it!

Add workout gear to your Xmas wish list

Let’s face it, we feel good when we look good. We’re more likely to hit the gym or go for a run outside when we want to show off what we look like. So why not show off those new running pants and shoes you got for Christmas?

Earn the food you eat

Sport your new workout gear and go for a hike with relatives or sign up for a holiday race. Staying active will ensure that you don’t feel regretful after indulging in holiday treats. Besides, food tastes better when we don’t have to feel guilty about what we ate afterwards!

Travel by plane the healthy way

While escalators, elevators, and moving walkways can be tempting – especially while carrying around luggage – make a rule with yourself to use your own two feet to get around. Walk as much as you can. This will help make up for the time spent sitting on the plane for hours on end.

Travel by car the healthy way

Fill up your cup holders with bottles of water. This will ensure that you are hydrated and will also prevent you from reaching for unhealthy snacks and drinks. It may even mean you have to stop more for bathroom breaks. Take advantage of these breaks and walk around. Getting some fresh air will help to keep you from getting restless. Lastly, bring your own snacks in the car. Pack some bags of nuts, carrots, or dried fruit. This will help you resist the urge to stop at that fast-food drive through!