Healthy Habits to Keep Fit & Safe this Holiday Season

Seth Lott
3 days ago
3 min read

Holiday weight management feels impossible when traffic jams slow you down and tempting treats pile up everywhere. Rushing through crowded parking lots only raises your risk of accidents, which nobody wants to face. What if simple changes—like sipping water instead of soda and parking farther from store entrances—could keep you safer and feeling better? These easy tips for holiday shopping could help you stay healthy during the holidays without stress or extra effort.

Smart Holiday Weight Management

The holiday rush combines two challenges: busy roads and endless food temptations. Most people gain 1-2 pounds during the season, weight that often stays put afterward. Let's break down simple ways to keep both your schedule and your health on track.

Hydrate and Choose Wisely

Water might be your secret weapon this season. Drinking a glass of water before meals can cut your calorie intake by 13% according to some studies. This happens because your body sometimes confuses thirst with hunger.

Try carrying a refillable water bottle while doing your shopping trips. When you spot a food court or coffee shop, resist the urge for sugary drinks. A single holiday latte can pack 400+ calories—the same as a small meal! Water costs nothing and keeps you feeling full.

Food samples seem to appear everywhere during the holidays. Before grabbing that cookie or cheese cube, ask yourself: "Am I hungry or just bored?" Small bites add up fast. The CDC recommends eating a small, healthy snack before shopping to avoid impulse food choices.

What about those special holiday treats? You don't need to skip them completely. Try the three-bite rule instead—take three small, slow bites of any dessert. The first bite excites you, the second satisfies you, and the third gives closure. This lets you enjoy treats without going overboard.

Increase Your Step Count

Walking more during the holidays doesn't require special equipment or gym memberships. Small changes to your shopping routine can make a big difference in your daily movement.

Parking farther from store entrances adds steps naturally and easily. Choose spots in the back of parking lots—they're often empty and you'll avoid the stress of circling for close spaces. A 5-minute walk from your car adds 500+ steps each way. Do this at three stores and you've walked over 3,000 extra steps!

Inside malls and stores, take the long route. Walk the full perimeter before heading to your destination. Use stairs instead of escalators when possible. These small choices burn calories while you complete necessary tasks.

Shopping with kids? Turn movement into a game. Count steps together between stores or see who can spot certain holiday decorations first. This keeps everyone moving and turns errands into fun family time.

Harvard Health experts suggest tracking your steps during the holidays. This creates awareness of your movement patterns. Many people find they naturally walk more when they see their daily numbers increase dramatically with little effort.

Plan Extra Time for Errands

Rushing creates stress and leads to poor choices—both on the road and with food. Building extra minutes into your schedule pays off in safety and health.

Start by adding 15 minutes to your estimated travel time for each shopping trip. This buffer helps you stay calm when traffic backs up or parking proves difficult. When you're not racing against the clock, you make better decisions behind the wheel.

Make a shopping list before leaving home. Sort it by store section to avoid backtracking. This simple step can cut your in-store time by 30% and reduces the chances you'll grab impulse items—including food.

Meal timing matters during busy shopping days. Herbalife nutrition experts recommend eating small, protein-rich meals every 3-4 hours when you're out running errands. This will keep your energy steady and prevents hunger that leads to fast-food drive-thrus.

Consider shopping during off-peak hours when possible. Early mornings or weekday evenings typically have lighter traffic and fewer crowds. This reduces stress and gives you space to move at your own pace—both in stores and parking lots.