We just finished a big holiday with family and friends. I am sure most of us had healthy portions of turkey, stuffing and just a few tastes of the deserts. I hope that you used some restraint while still enjoying your favorite holiday foods. In any case, I am throwing down a challenge for you for the month of December!
December is typically a month of parties, dinners and celebrations. Many people completely blow off the month and tell themselves they will work on their diet and exercise program come January. They usually gain several pounds in December and very often don’t actually start an exercise or healthy diet program until later in the early spring if they do it at all. (Studies* have shown actually showed most people who make New Year’s resolutions to diet and exercise fail to be successful in January and actually don’t make significant healthy changes until later in the year).
(* see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11920693/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/ for examples of studies about New Year’s resolution-based goals.)
The Challenge
I challenge you to take a step in the right direction now by exercising every day in the month of December. You will prevent falling into the fat trap and you will definitely feel great about your healthy steps while also getting to celebrate with family, friends, and co-workers during all the festivities throughout the month.
I bet that if you exercise every day you will also make better choices when it comes to your diet. I want you to set the goal for yourself to exercise for a minimum of 20- 30 minutes every single day. Your exercise can be as simple as walking each morning, at lunch or after work. You can exercise by using a treadmill, an elliptical machine, using resistance bands, weights, going to the gym, playing tennis or using an exercise video program(many free ones on YouTube etc). Any one or a combination of these exercises will work just fine. The minimum you need to get started is a few bucks for a pair of sneakers!
Always Have a Plan
Make a plan for the time you will exercise every day so it will actually happen. You need to think of exercise as a necessity in your life just like eating, working, and sleeping. I guarantee you will feel great about your commitment. Healthy in body = healthy in mind. When you take care of yourself, you tend to improve the way you care for other people and commitments in your life too. Now go exercise!
For more healthy tips for the holiday season: Check out my previous article on tips for eating healthily this holiday season.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.
Healthy Tips and Tricks Delivered to your Inbox
Enter your email below and I’ll send you delicious recipes, articles, and tips to get control of your health and simple steps to maintain it.
Dr. Kulka
Dr. Kulka is a board-certified family medicine physician with 20 years of clinical experience. Placing an emphasis on improving wellness and avoiding illness, Dr. Kulka has a passion for educating people about their health, weight loss options, and specific medical concerns in an easy-to-understand way.
If you, like so many people, struggle to be consistent with your healthy diet and exercise routine, or feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start on your journey to a healthier lifestyle, check out our Seriously Simple Steps to Health and Wellness program.
