31 Ways To Have A Healthy December
Want to finish the year stronger and healthier than ever? Here are 31 ways to have a healthy December and start the new year with a bang!
Hello and welcome to Ironwild Fitness. 🙂
My name is Chantal. I’m a mom, certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and the writer behind this site. Nice to “meet” you!
As you can probably already tell, staying healthy is a huge priority of mine. But that doesn’t always mean that it’s easy for me. In fact, I almost ALWAYS struggle with my health the most in the winter months. (Truly, for years now.)
It might have quite a bit to do with where I live (western Oregon, the land of constant rain and Vitamin D deficiency), but it’s also just a personal struggle for me and always has been.
But I know just how important it is to stay healthy in the depths of winter so that I don’t spend the whole time sick and sad, and I know that a lot of people can relate to that. So today, I want to talk about the many ways to have a healthy December.
You know, so that you can start the year in good health instead of a frenzy of fitness and nutrition goals. 🙂 Let’s get to it!
31 Ways To Have A Healthy December
1. Start Each Morning with Hydration
Begin your day with a glass of water, maybe with lemon, to boost hydration and metabolism. Getting enough water is critical for cellular and brain health (among other things), so don’t neglect this one!
Here’s how to drink more water each day, even if you don’t like it.
2. Plan Your Indulgences
Pick specific days or events on which to indulge. You already know when the holidays are, and probably have some fun holiday parties on the calendar.
Rather than over-indulging all month long, make the goal to let yourself enjoy those fun times but eat healthy the rest of the month. This helps you enjoy treats without overdoing it.
3. Keep Moving
I know it’s tempting to curl up into a ball as soon as the cold air hits, but it’s important to stay active throughout the winter. Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it’s a brisk walk. Staying active will help manage stress and energy.
If you need help staying fit throughout the winter, check out this post about easy ways to stay healthy in the colder months.
4. Pack Healthy Snacks
“Failure to plan is planning to fail.” This is a saying that goes a long way in the world of health and fitness. If you want to have a healthy month, be sure to plan accordingly with healthy snacks to help you avoid reaching for the sweets.
Keep nuts, fruits, or veggie sticks on hand to avoid impulse snacking on sugary treats. Here are more healthy snack ideas to inspire you.
5. Add Winter Veggies to Meals
It can be a bummer when all of your favorite summer veggies go out of season, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on eating your vegetables! Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and squash are packed with nutrients and will help you get that much-needed fiber.
6. Practice Gratitude
Winter is the perfect time to think about your year and your hopes for the future. Why not practice a little gratitude while you’re at it? Reflect on three things you’re grateful for each day. Cultivating gratitude can reduce stress and boost mood.
7. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol not only harms your liver, it throws your hormones off-balance and makes it hard to be truly healthy. Set the goal to enjoy a drink or two, but don’t overindulge. You could also consider festive mocktails as an alternative.
8. Set Boundaries for “Yes”
The holidays are a really busy time for most people, but they can also get really overwhelming. Protect yourself from sickness and stress by learning when to say no to things. Choose social events that align with your energy levels and well-being. Again, it’s okay to say no. 🙂
9. Make Time for Meditation or Mindfulness
Gratitude and mindfulness are not always one and the same. This is more about slowing down long enough to make intentional choices. Take 5-10 minutes a day to meditate or practice deep breathing. This helps calm holiday-related stress and keeps your mind from getting muddled with meaningless musings.
10. Opt for Healthier Desserts
I don’t want to be a total holiday buzzkill, so take this tip on ways to have a healthy December with a grain of salt. Swap traditional sugary treats for options made with less sugar, like dark chocolate, fruit-based desserts, or oats.
11. Schedule ‘Me’ Time
Whether it’s a bath, reading, or journaling, spend time on activities that recharge you. If you are a busy mom who needs help in this area, check out these 25 Easy, Must-Try Self Care Ideas For Moms.
12. Get Enough Sleep
Aim for 7-8 hours per night. A good night’s sleep will support your immune system and help manage cravings. Nuff said!
13. Focus on Portion Control
Let yourself enjoy holiday foods but in moderation. Use smaller plates to avoid overeating. If you need more help in this area, I wrote an entire article about how to eat healthy and make good choices when you’re at parties!
14. Try a December Challenge
Sometimes switching things up and starting something new is helpful to stay motivated. Start a fitness or wellness challenge to keep motivated throughout the month. Here’s my clean-eating challenge, which you could do for just two weeks and then enjoy the holidays!
15. Bring a Healthy Dish to Parties
If you’re going to a holiday gathering, bring something nutritious to share. This not only ensures that you have a healthy option, but it makes a statement about your goals and intentions.
16. Set Intentions for the New Year
Most people will set goals for the new year, but it’s important to keep them realistic and prioritized. Reflect on your goals and dreams for the upcoming year. Journaling about this can be grounding and helpful.
Read my article on healthy habits to start in January for inspiration!
17. Stay Mindful of Sugar
December can be a sugar minefield. Keep tabs on your intake, and opt for fruit when you can. It’s totally normal to enjoy some holiday treats, but it should not be an everyday thing!
18. Be Creative with Holiday Drinks
Holiday flavors are half the fun of the fall and winter months. Try infusions with herbs, spices, or fruit to flavor water, tea, or sparkling drinks. I love pumpkin and peppermint, but there are a lot of other spices and flavors that can be a lot of fun this time of year.
19. Avoid Processed Foods
I know that this is easier said than done when you’re busy, but try to stick to whole foods as much as possible. This keeps the energy high and digestion smooth. (Plus you’ll get a lot more nutrients in, which can help you stay healthy!)
20. Enjoy Fresh Air
This is easily one of the best ways to have a healthy December. Spend some time outdoors every day, even if it’s just a quick walk. The sunlight and movement can be rejuvenating.
21. Practice Mindful Eating
Slow down and savor each bite, especially with holiday meals. It improves digestion and satisfaction (and you might realize just how much you’re overdoing it).
22. Do a Digital Detox
Take a break from screens to be more present with family and friends, and to avoid holiday shopping stress. (It is easy to be influenced into buying more things these days!)
23. Set a Budget for Gifts
Financial stress can impact health and is all too common this time of year. People don’t talk about this enough. Set limits to enjoy giving without worry.
24. Take Vitamin D
December has shorter days, so consider a supplement or more outdoor time to boost Vitamin D levels. (I live in the Pacific Northwest, where the constant rainy days make this absolutely critical.)
25. Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Enjoy your morning coffee, but watch out for too much caffeine, which can worsen stress and disrupt sleep. (I will never give up my coffee, but my point is that you shouldn’t overdo it!)
26. Try a New Healthy Recipe Each Week
Experiment with a nourishing recipe to keep your meals exciting and nutritious. Add the recipes you like to your new rotation and keep it fresh! Here’s my healthy chicken and wild rice soup recipe, which is perfect for this time of year.
27. Express Kindness to Others
Doing something nice for someone can boost your mood and improve your well-being. It really can feel good, so try it out!
28. Prioritize Mental Health
Be mindful of holiday stress, and check in with a friend, therapist, or journal if you need support. Some activities that are known to lower stress are reading a book, going for a walk, journaling, and exercising in general.
29. Declutter Your Space
If you’re feeling a little stressed and overwhelmed, “stuff” might be playing a role. Declutter a little each week. A tidy environment can help you feel calmer and more in control. My free decluttering checklist can help!
30. Reflect on Accomplishments from the Year
It can be easy to focus on all of the things that didn’t happen in the year, but you should protect your mindset and motivation by focusing on the good things. Celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small. It’s a great way to end the year on a high note.
31. Balance Over Perfection
Are you still looking for ways to have a healthy December? Here’s one – don’t stress over being perfectly healthy every day. I think you’ll find that when you let go a little bit, everything is just a little bit more fun. Enjoy yourself, and make choices that make you feel good.
Final Thoughts On Ways To Have A Healthy December
I hope you found these 31 tips helpful. I want to encourage a balanced approach to wellness, leaving room for both healthy habits and holiday joy. Don’t overdo it on either extreme!
Until next time,
Chantal from Ironwild Fitness
