The holidays are a time for fun and enjoying time with your loved ones. A lot of this time is spent eating and drinking, meaning many of your healthy eating habits can go out the window. While it’s important to find some balance, it can be disappointing to get to January and find yourself feeling sluggish, bloated and in need of some goodness. This feeling can carry on through to the spring thanks to dark days and cold temperatures.
Maintaining healthy eating habits in winter doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. Finding a balance can help you make it through the colder months, while still being able to enjoy yourself. Here are some things you can try to help you eat well this winter.
Plan your days to help you be prepared
Getting on top of your schedule is an effective way of finding balance throughout the winter months. If you know when you’re going to be dining out, attending parties, etc., you can make plans to eat healthier the rest of the time. There are a lot of meal planning tips you can use to help you get ahead of the week. If you write things down, you’ll be much more likely to stick to them.
Learn to make some new comfort foods
Comfort foods are a must in the winter when it’s cold and dark outside, but many comfort classics such as macaroni and cheese or lasagna, aren’t always the healthiest of dishes. Trying some new comfort foods or making changes to your existing favorites can help you enjoy the warming feeling of comfort food, without loading up on calories.
Take a look at some foods you can experiment with in the winter to help you find some new go-to dishes.
Make some dishes ahead of time you can turn to for a quick dinner
If you’re dashing around during the holidays or juggling a busy schedule, you can find it easy to ditch the healthy eating in favor of something quick and convenient. But does convenience have to mean unhealthy?
Making some dishes ahead of time that you can store or freeze will save you a lot of time, and ensure there’s something waiting for you at home. A keto soup recipe can be ideal for making ahead, while slow-cooker recipes and other batch-cook dishes are perfect for storing away for another day. Fill your freezer with healthy, hearty foods you know you’ll enjoy.
Try to stick to a routine
Maintaining a routine in winter can be difficult. The cold makes it hard to want to go anywhere, and the dark nights and mornings can wreak havoc on your sleep. Try to stick to a healthy routine in winter that will keep you on track, even if your calendar is a little busier than usual. Some ideas include:
- Take a daily walk to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
- Always have breakfast each morning.
- Try to get your 8 hours of sleep each night to help you recharge and restore your energy.
- Exercise regularly, even if it’s short exercises that you do at home.
- Eat fruit and vegetables – they’ll help boost your immune system to stop you from getting sick.
- Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and focused.
Maintaining a basic routine will serve you well in winter, helping you enter the new season with some good habits that you can stick to for the rest of the year.
Don’t feel guilty for enjoying yourself
While it’s important to maintain healthy eating habits, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself at this time of year. So what if you have a night of overindulgence – the next day is a fresh start. Instead of feeling guilty about what you’ve done the day before, try to do better the next day. Changing your mindset can help set you up for success and teach you that a healthier lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint.
Whatever you have planned over the winter months, it’s good to find some balance. Knowing you can eat healthily while still having fun means you can enjoy yourself without worrying about your diet constantly. With a little planning, you can help make your winter a more enjoyable one, allowing you to eat well and still do all the things you want to do.
By the time spring comes, you’ll have a great mindset to approach the change in season, with some solid healthy eating habits in place.