How To Keep Looking Young Through the Hectic Holidays

How to Keep Looking Young Through the Hectic Holidays

Dear Reader:

It’s that time of year again—the holidays. If you’ve been good with your healthy eating and active lifestyle, it’s probably going to get a little harder to keep up between all of the office parties, last-minute shopping trips, and family feasts.

It’s easy to just put your diet and workout routine on hold for the next month and just enjoy the festivities. But is it really worth it? It’s just going to be that much harder to get back into it again come January, not to mention the fact that you’re setting yourself back and could be putting yourself at risk of the very same age-related issues you were trying to avoid in the first place.

But not to worry, we’re here to help! Instead of putting your anti-aging efforts on the back burner this season, here are a few tips to help you stay on track through the holidays.

Your Anti-Aging Diet Plan

• Eat a healthy snack before you head out to a holiday event; going on an empty stomach will make you more prone to overeating and snacking on unhealthy party food. Protein-rich foods, like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, will make you feel full for longer. Fiber is also filling, so try snacking on a small bowl of seasoned lentils, steamed broccoli, fresh raspberries, or a green salad before you head out.

• Only allow yourself one helping at dinner. Avoiding going for seconds forces you to take smaller portions of what you really want to eat and lets you savor a little bit of each dish, as opposed to scarfing it down so that you can get more of something else. Using a smaller plate also helps with portion control; we often tend to take more than we need because it looks so tasty, but eating off a smaller plate gives you less room to work with, so you’re less likely to binge eat.

• If you’re the host, package the leftovers in small containers and send them home with your guests. Keeping them in the house will only tempt you more, and as the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind.

Your Anti-Aging Fitness Routine

• Get your workout in at the start of the day. That way, you’re less likely to get pulled away from it, and then it’s out of the way. Although it sounds like a chore, working out in the morning actually gives you more energy to take on the day.

• There are lots of exercises you can do at home that are easy to fit in-between tasks; for example, invest in a good workout DVD. Even if your anti-aging fitness routines are shorter or less intense over the holidays, you’re still staying active, and it’s definitely better than doing nothing at all. Make sure you keep your workout gear visible so that you’re constantly being reminded.

• Track your workout schedule on a calendar; every time you get active this month, give yourself a check mark. You’re more likely to stick to it if you can actually see the progress you’re making. It’s also helpful to team up with a friend who’s trying to stick to their own anti-aging fitness goals over the holidays; it’s easier to stay on track when you have someone else to support and motivate you.

Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine

• It can be easy to forsake your usual anti-aging skin care routine when you’re busy, like coming home late and not cleansing your face. Even just a week of this can affect the health and appearance of your skin. Keep your anti-aging skin care products on your pillow so that when you’re tempted to jump straight into bed, they’re sitting there to remind you.

• The holidays can be stressful, which can really wreak havoc on your skin. Taking just a few minutes out of your day to meditate or even just breathe can bring you back down to a calmer state. Plus, they’re good for your anti-aging fitness routine, too.

• Treat yourself to a facial. Whether you do your own at home or go to a spa, it’s a great way to wind down and rejuvenate your skin.

To lasting health and beauty,

Dr. K.J. McLaughlin & the Agein Team