The holidays are here and everyone’s in the mood to overindulge and even skip the gym. Here in Cebu, the celebrations even extend all the way up to Sinulog.

It’s no surprise that a few of us might have to unbutton our jeans to have that extra space for dessert at Noche Buena. So how can you keep your blood pressure down without having to say goodbye to that Lechon this Christmas? Here are six ways to stay on top of your health this season! 

Have a 30-minute walk every day.

Did you know that taking 30 minutes to walk every day can improve cardiovascular fitness and boost endurance? Yes! It doesn’t have to be a full-on jog or run. There are creative ways you can get those 30 minutes in. You can park 15 minutes away from the office so that’s 30 minutes back and forth. You can walk around the mall after you’ve had dinner. Those 30 minutes a day do make a difference! 

Stick to your portions.

There’s nothing worse than dieting during the holidays. So unless you have a bodybuilding competition coming up, a serving of lasagna won’t do you any harm. Just stick to portioning your plate. Remember the perfect plate rule — half of your plate should be non-starchy vegetables, a quarter should be your carbohydrates, and the last quarter should be your choice of protein. You can even follow this rule even after the holidays are done.

More on g.spot:

Don’t skip on sleep.

Some people don’t realize how important sleep is in keeping a healthy lifestyle. Not having enough sleep causes a spike in cortisol (the stress-response hormone) which can lead to weight gain and other health complications. So aim for 8 hours a night. Make sure to have the no electronics rule 1.5 hours before you go to bed to ensure a restful sleep. 

Go easy on the alcohol.

It’s great to have a glass or two especially paired with that great Christmas or New Year’s dinner. But, try to drink in moderation since alcohol has little to no nutritional value. It doesn’t fill you up which is why it’s called empty calories. Consuming these extra calories can lead to weight gain and can also cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. 

Keep a realistic and positive mindset.

It can be quite challenging to stay fit around this time of the year when the tables are stacked with whole lechons and that leche flan is beckoning you for seconds. But keep in mind that if you end up overindulging on one day, you can start fresh the next. So give yourself a pat on the back for even trying to watch out for your health. 

More on g.spot:

Be consistent.

Have an app that helps you be consistently on top of your health goals. One of the best free apps made for Filipinos that you can use is the mWell app. You can activate your mWellness score to measure exercise, rest times, and sleep. The app has workout plans by Olympic athletes and easy calorie-counted recipes by nutritionists you can follow. Accredited as the official telemedicine partner of the Department of Health, online doctors’ consultations are easily a tap away. 

Keeping healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes. This season is a chance for you to enjoy yourself with loved ones and take it easy. So, as long as you follow the tips above and check out more on the mWell app, you’re definitely going to be in full control of your own health and well-being this Christmas and beyond! 

Download the mWell app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.