10 Ways to Stay Healthy in the Holiday Rush

Are you feeling the "holiday rush" this year? If so, you're not alone. It feels like November and December, we're in a state of "go go go!"

And in the midst of this, we forget to take time to focus on our health. Do you ever wonder why so many people get sick after the holidays? It's not all because of the weather.

So I've put together a list of my favorite "holiday health hacks." It's a few different ways you can stay healthy, even while you're on the go.

Plan out your meals. Don't underestimate the power of meal planning. Take a day to look at your upcoming meals for the week. Once you know what you need, you can make fewer trips to the grocery store, and spend less time in the kitchen.

Pro tip: Grab a rotisserie chicken from your grocery store. It's fairly affordable and it can save you a boatload of time cooking. Plus, you can use it in tacos, pasta dishes or simply eat it on its own.

Prep snacks. Instead of grabbing whatever you find around the house to eat as a snack, plan ahead. Picking healthy snacks (and knowing where to find them) can be a huge health boost during the winter.

Need some help thinking of snacks? Try low-fat Greek Yogurt. Or even a bag of pecans or almonds. Cut fruit and veggies are another great option.

Think ahead. You won't be able to cook every meal this holiday season. So when you go to dine out with friends, look ahead at their menu and scope out the healthy options.

Portion control is important here too. Oftentimes, restaurants will give you way more than 1 serving. Think about splitting your plate in half and saving the rest for a meal the next day.

Stay active. Your diet is only one half of healthy living. Find some time to do small exercises throughout the day. It can be as simple as leg raises or planks. Or even go for a short walk around the block. The key isn't which exercise you choose — it's the fact that you're exercising.

Take breaks. This is a busy season. And if you're always running to the next stop, you won't have any energy to enjoy the holidays. Plan some time to take a break every day if you can. If not, maybe a couple times a week. Your body will thank you for it.

Remember breakfast. It's easy to forget the most important meal of the day. But having a healthy breakfast can really set the tone of your day. Even if it's as small as some fruit and nuts, make this meal a priority.

Stay hydrated. Everyone knows it's important to drink water. But did you know it can help you feel fuller? It's true. Water revs up your metabolism, so you aren't going after unhealthy snacks.

Sleuth around for deals. If you're traveling this year, look for nearby grocery stores. That way, you can find healthy snacks instead of relying on fast food or gas stations. Plus, you'll probably find a better deal there too.

Plan your "cheat" days. Look, none of us are perfect. And we're all going to want a cheat day every now and then. So plan out a few small "cheats" for yourself. It'll keep you from having big binges later on.

Take your veggies with you. I'm not recommending you keep a Ziplock bag of broccoli everywhere you go. But there is a way to take 40+ fruits and veggies with you while you travel.

It's my Patriot Power Greens travel packs. You get the same energy, stamina and great flavor of Patriot Power Greens. But now, they come in easy-to-carry travel packs. So you can stash them in your purse, bag or even your pocket. Click this link if you want to learn more.