The holidays can test even the healthiest routines. Whether you’re headed to an office party or catching a flight, discover the essentials to pack and top tips to help you feel your best all season.
Between work parties, traveling to see loved ones, and a steady stream of indulgent meals, mulled drinks, and sweet treats, it’s easy for healthy habits to slip during the holidays, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight.
But who’s to say you can’t still celebrate and stay on track with your wellness goals? The two don’t have to be at odds.
With a hint of planning and a sprinkle of strategic thinking, you can continue to nourish your body, stay active, and make the most of the festivities (without feeling like you’re missing out or channeling the Grinch).
Check out our handy hacks and suitcase essentials below to help you sail through – not simply survive – the season. From snacks to supplements, we guarantee they’ll keep your spirits high and your healthy habits thriving.
Tummy TLC Essentials: To Keep Your Gut Happy
New foods, new time zones, new routines. All can take their toll during the festive season. It’s no wonder our tummies sometimes stage a protest. Enter: the dreaded grumpy gut.
Luckily, a few trusty products can save the day (and your digestion).
Soothing teas such as green tea, peppermint, or ginger may keep your gut calm and ease any discomfort, be it because you’ve overindulged or fallen victim to a suspicious canapé. Green tea, in particular, is thought to support your gut health by balancing gut bacteria, reducing harmful microbes, and promoting beneficial ones.
Probiotics are another holiday hero. They help support a healthy gut by restoring “good” or beneficial bacteria. Better yet, many come in gummy form, making them easy to take on the go and perfect for slipping into your bag.
Energy Boosters: To Keep Your Spirits High
While there’s lots to love about this time of year, it can also bring unrealistic expectations, nonstop socializing, travel stress, and a completely flipped-upside-down schedule.
The result? Even the most energetic among us can end up feeling drained and, quite frankly, in a less than merry mood.
One way to power through? Protein. It helps you feel full for longer and supports steady energy levels throughout the day. Protein bars, especially, are a convenient, grab-and-go option for flights, long drives, or jam-packed schedules.
Sleep is just as important for energy and mood. When you’re running on empty, it’s easy to reach for sugary snacks or quick fixes instead of healthy choices.
To help you catch some quality zzz’s while traveling, consider packing a portable sleep mask to block out light during flights or car rides. Once you arrive at your destination, a portable white noise machine can help create a calming sleep environment so you can wake up feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to spread some holiday cheer.
H20 Heroes: To Keep You Hydrated
At the best of times, most of us don’t drink enough water. But come Christmas, the alternatives to plain ol’ water can be hard to ignore (and resist). Personally, nothing gets me feeling more jolly than sipping on a syrupy latte or warm mulled cider.
Still, staying hydrated makes a big difference in feeling your best. It can help curb the caffeine jitters, ease post-party fatigue, and even keep your skin looking fresh and bright through the chaos.
Try swapping a few celebratory drinks for water here and there, and make a reusable water bottle a staple in your bag. Pick one that stands out; a bold color or fun design makes it harder to forget when you’re dashing out the door. And if you need a reminder, there are plenty of apps that nudge you to sip throughout the day.
Electrolytes are another easy, lightweight essential to stash in your bag. These magical minerals help your body
Pocket Workouts: To Keep You Active Anywhere
Limited gym hours or time away from home can make staying active during the holidays feel a little more challenging.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be. Even if you’re without your usual equipment or a disrupted routine, you can keep moving.
A fitness app is the perfect addition to your digital wallet. It lets you fit in a sneaky sweat session or guided routine straight from your pocket, wherever you are—at home, in a relative’s living room decked out in tinsel, or even tucked away in a quiet corner of the airport.
Many apps also allow you to log your meals, track your progress, and connect with a community for support and motivation, perfect for when holiday distractions try to tempt you off track.
Celebrating the holiday season doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals.
With a few smart wellness essentials to hand, or packed in your bag if you’re traveling, you can continue to stay energized, balanced, and feeling your best.
From green tea and probiotics to support your gut, protein bars for a quick energy boost, and fitness apps to keep you moving, it is entirely possible to maintain your healthy habits and enjoy the festivities.