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Friday Five: 5 Ways to Stay Healthy During Holidays

November 6, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC73 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we move into the start of the holiday season, the DC ladies thought we’d focus on how to stay healthy during this season of overindulgence. I can’t wait to read everyone’s tips! And don’t forget, you can find our Friday Five themes for the next few weeks here! Stay tuned for a fun announcement next Friday!! Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia and Mar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link. Have a great weekend!

five ways to stay healthy during holidays

  • Take advantage of fun runs! Turkey trots, Jingle bell jams, the holiday season is full of short, fun runs that are easy to take part in and usually involve costumes (a win-win in my book!). I’ll be running a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and it’s one of my favorite ways to start the holiday. It makes me feel better about the pumpkin pie I’m about to consume. πŸ™‚
  • Cook as much as you can. Something that you make at home is pretty much guaranteed to be healthier than something you buy at a restaurant. Make it fun! I like having a couple of friends over and have everyone make something. It’s easy, low stress and fun. I realize that having to cook during a busy season can be stressful…so did you know you can order holiday meals from Whole Foods? Just sayin! 
  • Treat yoself. Honestly, I can’t say it any better than this:

tumblr_lt6xahv2ba1qh67evo1_500

  • Walk it out. Not a runner? Too full of turkey and cranberry sauce to run? Take a walk around the block with your family. This is a great, simple way to stay healthy and keep moving but not feel like you’re going to fall over from running too soon after eating (not that I’ve done that…ahem). Have a dog? Even better. I love taking my pup Sasha on walks and she loves it too! 
  • Wine, not eggnog. Okay, I’m kind of joking but kind of not. Wine is heart healthy! Eggnog = not so much. The bigger point here is to be smart about your treats. Pick and choose and if you want something really delicious but not so healthy…like I said, treat yoself…in moderation. πŸ™‚

How do you keep healthy during the holiday season?


Comments

  1. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    November 6, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    Courtney, I LOVE that you’ll be participating in a turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day; we will, too, so I’ll think about you while I’m out there and give you a cheer! We definitely have some items along the same lines on our list…great minds think alike, right? πŸ˜‰ And…I LOVE your “treat. yo. self” message. My favorite! Thanks so much, as usual, for such an awesome link up! Hope you have a great weekend!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…5 Ways to Stay Healthy During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 6, 2014 at 11:26 pm

      loved your list, girl! yay for turkey trots on turkey day πŸ™‚ have a WONDERFUL weekend, friend!

      Reply
  2. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    November 6, 2014 at 10:32 pm

    This year I am actually doing a Jingle Bell run. Making my husband actually do it with me too! I work every Thanksgiving so I’ve never been able to do a Turkey Trot.
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Thinking Out LoudMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 6, 2014 at 11:27 pm

      jingle bell run sounds fun! i always like to run the national mall after the white house christmas tree is all lit up πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Sherry says

    November 7, 2014 at 12:17 am

    Haha love the treat yoself! Everything’s good in moderation. πŸ™‚ I was going to sign up for our local Turkey Trot but going to be out of town this year.
    Sherry recently posted…Five Ways to Stay on Track During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:20 am

      I swear, treat yoself might be my favorite phrase ever!

      Reply
  4. John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

    November 7, 2014 at 12:19 am

    Great list. Can’t wait for my first Turkey Trot this year. Excited for it.
    John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Ways to Stay on Track During the Holidays | Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:21 am

      Yay! With the whole family?

      Reply
  5. Jenny @ TurtleStride says

    November 7, 2014 at 12:54 am

    Yay for the holidays and wine, haha. I’ll be running a Turkey Trot with a few of my girlfriends (it’ll be a first race, ever, for one of them).

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:53 pm

      Oh how exciting for your friend!!

      Reply
  6. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    November 7, 2014 at 4:47 am

    Since I am not a fan of eggnog I will go woth the wine any day:)
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…If the Disney Princess lived in the United States, Where would they live?My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:53 pm

      You and me both, lady!

      Reply
  7. M @ readeatwriterun.com says

    November 7, 2014 at 5:48 am

    My sister started a tradition of walking with her husband after our big holiday family meal. Eventually I got to join them, and now DH and I will often do the same, weather permitting. If we’re at his parents, often it’ll become a group outing, even the dog goes! It’s quite pleasant.
    M @ readeatwriterun.com recently posted…Friday Five – Staying on Track and Healthy During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:54 pm

      Thats great! A wonderful family tradition πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine says

    November 7, 2014 at 6:15 am

    Yes to wine over eggnog!!:) All great tips! I will be running a marathon the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so no turkey trots for me.. 3 years ago I ran the Philly marathon 4 days before Thanksgiving and signed up for a 10k turkey trot and of course I had to race it, which is NOT a good idea 4 days after your first ever marathon! But there are plenty of other ways to get some exercise, even if its just going for a walk like you said!
    Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine recently posted…Five Ways To Stay Healthy During The HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      Good luck on your race – what marathon are you running?

      Reply
  9. Coco says

    November 7, 2014 at 6:33 am

    I used to love eggnog, but now it’s too rich for me. Mulled wine is nice though ….
    Coco recently posted…My Top Five Healthy Holiday TipsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      I’ve never been an eggnog fan. So wine is really the only choice for me πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:05 am

    I’m so excited to run my first Christmas themed race next month! Now, I need to get working on that costume…
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – November 7th – Five Ways to Stay on Track During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      Oh fun! Which one?

      Reply
      • Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

        November 7, 2014 at 2:48 pm

        Christmas Town Dash 8k in Williamsburg. I’m so excited!
        Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – November 7th – Five Ways to Stay on Track During the HolidaysMy Profile

        Reply
        • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

          November 7, 2014 at 3:03 pm

          Oh fun!!!

          Reply
  11. Heather Runs Thirteen Point One says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:08 am

    Love these tips, especially ‘Treat Yo Self’!

    Reply
    • Heather Runs Thirteen Point One says

      November 7, 2014 at 7:09 am

      Oops, didn’t mean to post it yet! Anyway, it’s hard to stay on track during the holidays, but there’s so many great tips to help us out – great topic!
      Heather Runs Thirteen Point One recently posted…friday five: staying on track during the holidaysMy Profile

      Reply
      • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

        November 7, 2014 at 12:57 pm

        Yes, I’m going to be pinning a lot of these posts πŸ™‚

        Reply
  12. Michele @ A Pace of Balance says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:11 am

    Yep, I”m definitely with you on #1. I need a race or goal to work toward!
    Michele @ A Pace of Balance recently posted…Stay on Track This Holiday SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:57 pm

      It certainly helps in terms of motivation πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Pam says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:25 am

    We also run a Thanksgiving day turkey trot and this year, even the hubs is joining in……maybe he will get in 2 runs before race day.
    Pam recently posted…Healthy HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Oh, fun! I love it’s a family affair πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. April at RTGWS says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:41 am

    I love the tip to choose your treats wisely! Wine over eggnog every time (because eggnog is gross!). Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      I agree wholeheartedly with you about eggnog. Yuck!

      Reply
  15. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:45 am

    Cooking at home as much as possible really helps me stay on track. Happy Friday
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Fab Fall Fitness & Beauty FindsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Happy weekend! And yes, cooking helps a lot!!

      Reply
  16. Jennifer says

    November 7, 2014 at 7:50 am

    Yes to Turkey Trots and Jingle Bell runs! Now that my calorie out will decrease this month, my calorie in will also need to do the same. I look forward to some cooking in this month (and with some wine of course).
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – What’s New II (Weekend Edition)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Haha, cooking with wine is the best!

      Reply
  17. Christine @I'd rather be sweating says

    November 7, 2014 at 8:10 am

    First of all: I LOVE the meme you used at the top! Hilarious! I find that cooking/baking occupies my mind and hands so I am not tempted to indulge as much. Plus I dfind that whatever I cook or bake, I like to see others enjoy it so I don’t eat it.
    Christine @I’d rather be sweating recently posted…Survive the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:01 pm

      Yes!!! Same here – I always eat less of my delicious food πŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. Chaitali says

    November 7, 2014 at 8:15 am

    Yes to cooking as much as you can and making it fun! I’ve already scheduled two dinner parties for December and I’m sure there will be enough food for leftovers during the week. And since I’m cooking most of the food, I can make sure it’s reasonably healthy πŸ™‚
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – ways to stay healthy in winterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      Smart move – what are you planning to make?

      Reply
  19. Lesley says

    November 7, 2014 at 9:01 am

    I’m all about wine and I never even wanted to try eggnog. Right with you on that point πŸ™‚
    Lesley recently posted…Stay Healthy During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      Wine for the win!

      Reply
  20. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    November 7, 2014 at 9:34 am

    These are great tips! I”m hoping to do a couple holiday runs–gottta get training!
    Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Friday Loves #24My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:04 pm

      The great things about holiday races is that they’re normally short enough that you don’t have to do much training! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    November 7, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Yep! I love holiday fun runs!! Jingle All the Way 5K coming up in December! You should join us!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…A decadent, healthy afternoon snack: Dark Chocolate Hemp Seed ButterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:05 pm

      Yeah, I’m on the fence for that one. Sunday races are hard for me because I don’t like missing church! I’ll let you know what I decide πŸ™‚

      Reply
  22. Haley says

    November 7, 2014 at 11:14 am

    I have to keep focused during the holidays so I’m doing a #RWrunstreak The 5k’s add up eventually, so I’m spreading them out this year to keep under budget.
    Love the Treat Yo Self. So true.
    Haley recently posted…Friday Five: How to Stay Healthy During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:06 pm

      Oh my goodness it ALL adds up! Awesome that you’re doing the streak!

      Reply
  23. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    November 7, 2014 at 11:16 am

    ew, eggnog! wine – always, always wine… and I love your graphic πŸ™‚
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Healthy Holidays!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:07 pm

      Agreed. Wine always wins πŸ™‚

      Reply
  24. Jess@Flying Feet in Faith says

    November 7, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Oh yes to the wine!! πŸ™‚ I like to sign up for a spring race to make sure I have a goal. If I don’t have a goal I’ll let myself get suuuuper slack.
    Jess@Flying Feet in Faith recently posted…Friday Five : 5 Ways to Avoid Holiday PlumpsiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:08 pm

      Yeah, goals help keep me accountable as well’

      Reply
  25. Amber says

    November 7, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    I love this list! I actually did a post this week about starting healthy holiday traditions, which in my family was starting Thanksgiving with a turkey trot! It is a great way to start a holiday that would otherwise be a about eating πŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 1:41 pm

      Yes, I agree. And the one I run is a great fundraiser for a good cause!

      Reply
  26. Amanda H says

    November 7, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    Totally agree with all of these, especially the last point. Wine is so much tastier than eggnog too! But mulled wine though… πŸ™‚
    Amanda H recently posted…5 Ways to Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Can you believe I’ve never had mulled wine?!!

      Reply
  27. Molly @alsoranagain.com says

    November 7, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    I’m so happy to be back on the link-up! Thanks again, Courtney, for hosting.

    That wine v. eggnog tip is a good one. Good thing I like wine more than eggnog! πŸ™‚
    Molly @alsoranagain.com recently posted…Friday 5: 5 Ways to Stay Healthy during the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 3:03 pm

      Yeah, me too! And welcome back πŸ™‚

      Reply
  28. Runners Blog Network says

    November 7, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    I’m signed up for the Bethesda 2 mile Turkey Trot! Can’t wait! “I’m going running! Who’s with me?”

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 7, 2014 at 11:17 pm

      Awesome!!

      Reply
  29. Diane@runninrocker says

    November 7, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    I also wrote about Wine being the better choice! Lol gotta make good choices! Thanks for hosting the Friday Five Fun!!
    Diane@runninrocker recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Ways to Stay on Track During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Kate @ EAt Clean with Kate says

    November 7, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Yes to the wine! I always justify red wine as healthy. πŸ™‚ Also, agreed with the walks. It can be hard to run outside with the cold here in MN, but walks are doable (especially after a lot of food!). Thanks for the great reminders!
    Kate @ EAt Clean with Kate recently posted…Friday Favorites – Keeping Sane!My Profile

    Reply
  31. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    November 7, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    You crack me up with “Treat. Yo.Self!” – But so important to do, right?! And I will definitely take wine over egg nog any day πŸ™‚
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five – National Running Safety MonthMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Lindsey says

    November 7, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    Beer also has vitamin B. So you know, antioxidants from wine, vitamins from beer. Who needs eggnog anyway? πŸ™‚
    Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Bronchitis EditionMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Karen - Fit in France says

    November 8, 2014 at 2:26 am

    I wish we had more holiday runs here in France, but it seems like racing stops between November and February… you are so lucky. And wine over eggnog, definitely.
    Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Friday Five : Five Ways to stay healthy during the holidaysMy Profile

    Reply
  34. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    My biggest problem is making it a whole season of gluttony and not just on or two special days.
    Heard something at Weight Watchers I really liked, “It is a holiDAY, not a holiweek.” I think I will really work on remember that and only enjoying the actual holidays, and not going buck wild all season.

    Reply
  35. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Love your tips, especially “treat yourself.” I tell my clients to be realistic and enjoy themselves “occasionally.” I think constant denial is setting yourself up for failure. Running in our local turkey trot has become a huge tradition for my family and some of our close friends! It’s the best way to start the holiday off!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Ellie’s Self-Made UltramarathonMy Profile

    Reply
  36. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! says

    November 12, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    This was one of my fave Friday 5 topics we have done!
    Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Bia Sport Watch ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 12, 2014 at 11:26 pm

      Me too!!

      Reply

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