The HALO Holiday Thrive Guide: Tips to Thrive During The Holidays

The holidays are in full swing and it's a time to thrive, not survive. In the midst of endless holiday parties, work deadlines, shopping, and entertaining, you can fully enjoy the holidays while still making progress towards your health and wellness goals. And the experts agree. Keep reading for tips from HALO Sport Chief Wellness Advisor and celebrity trainer Don Saladino and celebrity nutritionist Keri Glassman to help you manage stress and make it an enjoyable holiday season.

1. Eat before the party.

This time of year means holiday treats galore. How do you prevent overindulging? Don't go to a holiday dinner or party hungry, suggests Don. If you do, you're more likely to over-consume and make unhealthy choices. Don recommends having a small source of protein and healthy fat an hour before going out. That way, the alcohol won’t hit you so fast and you won't overindulge.

2. Keep food simple.

Celebrity nutritionist Keri Glassman recommends you keep it simple. "If you stick to the foods you normally eat, then the party fare won’t be as stressful or confusing. You know how to eat healthy. Don’t let the holidays overwhelm you." And if you're hosting, stock your fridge (and at-home bar) with nutritious, whole foods, low-sugar staples, and regular go-tos.

3. Indulge consciously.

If you do indulge, Keri suggests you do it consciously. Instead of viewing holiday treats as "off limits" or a "cheat meal," she suggests reframing them as a conscious indulgence. "A conscious indulgence is a mindset — deliberate, planned and empowered. You indulge when you have consciously chosen to do so and want to indulge from a place of positive energy," says Keri.

4. Stay hydrated.

Don recommends drinking a HALO Sport after a night of holiday partying. "The magnesium will assist in sleep and recovery and the sea salt will aid in rehydration. You'll find that you have much more bounce in your step the next day."

5. Break a sweat, but don't overdo it.

Try and break a sweat every day, but don't overexert yourself. When you drink and eat poorly, your body becomes stressed, and training too intensely can add to that stress, according to Don. "Break a sweat, feel good and move on. You shouldn’t be crawling out of the gym."

6. Make sleep a priority.

It’s okay to say no to the 10th holiday party that you’re actually dreading, says Keri. "Spreading the joy requires you to feel the joy! If focusing on your Sleep Deep Pillar is what you really need, do it." 

The key to an enjoyable holiday season is balance. Give yourself permission to celebrate with loved ones and indulge in your favorite holiday treats, but don't forget to prioritize yourself and your health. Happy Holidays from the team at HALO Sport!