Healthy While Home for the Holidays +october surprises! ~ Mommylete

We got to start our 'home for the holidays' early this year!

Usually you don't get to count Halloween as home for the holidays but we got to because we flew home to surprise our family!

If you want to see some cute Aunts, Uncles and Grandma's and Grandpa's light up the pictures and Video are at the bottom!

Our recent trip home plus finally finishing the video for this trip had me thinking about all the ways we try to stay healthy when we go home for the holidays.

6 Tips For Staying Healthy While Home for the Holidays

Holidays are filled with FOOD FOOD FOOD and we always associate the holidays with weight gain but NOT this year.

1.ONE TREAT DAY

Good choices are 'key' when it comes to the holidays and I try to keep treats to a ONE day ONE treat limit. This is important because when we are on vacation we have an 'I can eat whatever I want' attitude. So lets do opposite! Pick one day to have your dessert or treat and STICK TO IT! If treats prop up (AND THEY WILL) kindly decline and think about how amazing yours is going to taste when the day comes! Finally when the day comes chose your one treat (don't stuff all day) and savor every bite:) Eating out is the same...don't waste your treat and find the leanest options on the menu.

2. MOVE

When family gets together we see a lot of sitting to catch up, or sitting around the table to eat, or sitting around playing card games or watching movies. Don't miss out on those fun memories but this year plan more activities where you are moving! Get out and move! There are fairs, boutiques, light shows, parks you can use to get out and walk. Instead of watching all the football games GO start your own! Wherever home is GO EXPLORE!

We loved visiting the Aquarium! Another fun place to explore!

3. WAKE UP EARLY TO EXERCISE

Keep your workout regime while you are gone for the holidays...you will be so glad you did even for just 30 minutes! The only time you will have to workout is before the day starts. If you wait the day will get away from you (especially because you are filling your day with active activities;) ) And if you wait until night time you will be too exhausted.

4. FIND GOOD 'INDOOR' WORKOUTS

Find workouts you can do in a more compact space and if home means colder weather find exercises you can do inside! I will post my favorite vacation circuit soon but in the meanwhile, find workouts you don't need a lot of space or weights for since you might be staying in the spare bedroom and can't bring that at home gym. EX. imaginary jump rope, push up, plank, sit ups etc.

Another good tool are workout videos (I take a portable DVD player and P90X) or check out your local library.

5. GROCERY SHOP
Whenever possible
If you are traveling on the road and need snacks pack a cooler because you will make healthier choices then if you have been traveling for hours and have the munchies and have to stop at a gas station. Also if you have the chance to grocery shop for your family when you get 'home' for the holidays you will tend to eat 'in' more and again make better choices.

6. PERSONAL FAVE: 5K

This is my personal favorite healthy tip

5k's are super family friendly. When I travel I love scheduling a 5k race (beforehand or you will find a reason to backout) there are always turkey trots or santa races. I love competing with people I don't get to run with and I love talking the whole family into it! Usually you hear a little bit of hesitation or even griping but, everyone is always laughing and grinning when they finish!

Take it to the next level if your whole family are runners make it a challenge by either aiming to finish at a certain time or go for longer lengths.

Most importantly ENJOY every second!

and

HAVE A HAPPY HEALTHY HOLIDAYS