Arkansas is a beautiful outdoor oasis that many take advantage of during Spring and Summer. But it’s about to get cold…really cold. Fall and Winter will force you to stay inside, say goodbye to your favorite hiking trails, and make other plans. Thanksgiving and Christmas will threaten to ruin your diet and exercise regime. How are you supposed to avoid temptation? We have seven holiday health and wellness tips that can help you stay the course.

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #1: Find Healthy Substitutions

Lighten up traditional holiday recipes by substituting unhealthy ingredients for lower-calorie, lower-fat, higher-nutrient options. Make your own eggnog with low-fat milk or almond milk instead of cream or whole milk. Trade out butter and chocolate in your fudge for avocado and cocoa. Then, try to eat more “superfoods” like greens, cranberries, and sweet potatoes over rolls and stuffing.

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #2: Pack Healthy Snacks

Last year, 48.7 million Americans were expected to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the AAA, another 103 million were projected to travel over Christmas and New Year’s. For anyone, it’s easy to get off track at the airport or on the road when your meal options are limited. Avoid the fast food and preservatives by pre-packing some healthy snacks to take with you. The Food Network recommends bringing fresh fruit, whole wheat pasta salad, nonfat Greek yogurt, cut vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, etc.

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #3: Set Your Limits

Holiday parties are likely going to be your biggest nemesis this season. To successfully stay healthy and fit, you must control yourself when the food and alcohol are flowing. Set your limit ahead of time for how much you are going to eat or drink and stick to it!

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #4: Drink Plenty of Water

When it gets cold, it’s easy to make yourself feel warmer by drinking cup after cup of coffee or hot chocolate. That may do the trick in the moment, but you will pay for it later! Remember to drink plenty of water, especially in between alcoholic beverages. Drinking fluids and staying hydrated (while eating healthy and working out) will also help you ward off a cold or the flu!

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #5: Reward Yourself

If you’re worried you may lose motivation to work out this holiday season, reward yourself when you stick to your plans. Want to run once a day? Reward yourself with a piece of dark chocolate after every mile! Tell yourself you can’t have dessert at Thanksgiving unless you do! Invite your friends or family members to go in on it with you so you can hold yourself accountable all season.

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #6: Go Indoors

If you’re a big biker or hiker, the cold weather could easily ruin your regular exercise plans. So, sign up for a class that takes place indoors! Join a cycling gym or yoga studio. Get into indoor rock climbing. We have so many options in Little Rock!

Holiday Health and Wellness Tip #7: Utilize Your Amenities

Here at The Pointe at Brodie Creek, our amenities are tailored to fit your lifestyle 365 days a year. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, every day, so you have no excuse not to work out during the holidays. Plus, the virtual fitness studio starts the class you want to take whenever you tell it to. If you haven’t tried it out yet, the holiday season is the perfect time to go for it.

Do you have other holiday health and wellness tips to share? Leave them in the comments!