12 Days of Healthy Living Christmas Challenge

12 Days of Healthy Living Christmas Challenge

Christmas is a season of joy, gratitude, and giving, making it the perfect time to embrace a healthier lifestyle while enjoying the festivities. This “12 Days of Healthy Living” challenge inspires small, meaningful changes to boost your physical and mental well-being during the holiday season. Download the free guidelines and tracker below to stay motivated and celebrate your progress as you build healthy habits throughout the holiday season!

Day 1: Set Your Intentions

• Reflect on your health goals for the holiday season or the upcoming year.
• Write down one realistic goal, such as eating more whole foods, staying hydrated, or trying one new recipe a week. Place it somewhere visible to keep yourself inspired.

Day 2: Cook with Healthy Fats

• Celebrate the season by incorporating healthy fats into your meals.
• Prepare a dish with olive oil, avocado, nuts, or seeds. For example, roast winter vegetables with olive oil or create a festive guacamole dip.

Day 3: Move with the Spirit

• Dedicate 20-30 minutes to physical activity. Take a festive walk to see holiday lights, enjoy a Christmas dance workout, or stretch with some gentle yoga by the tree.
• Invite family to join for a fun and active tradition!

Day 4: Embrace Gratitude

• Write down four things you’re thankful for this season, big or small.
• Share your gratitude with loved ones, and notice how it uplifts your mood.

Day 5: Nourish with Seasonal Colors

• Focus on colorful, nutrient-rich ingredients.
• Make a holiday-themed salad with spinach, cranberries, walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette, or prepare a hearty vegetable soup.

Day 6: Mindful Indulgence

• Savor your favorite holiday treat, but do it mindfully.
• Enjoy each bite slowly and focus on the flavors to enhance satisfaction without overindulging.

Day 7: Sip for Wellness

• Stay hydrated with seasonal, health-boosting drinks.
• Brew spiced herbal tea, prepare a warm mug of golden milk, or enjoy water infused with rosemary and orange slices.

Day 8: Connect Over a Meal

• Share a wholesome meal with family or friends, or host a virtual dinner with loved ones far away.
• Use this time to strengthen connections and savor the joy of togetherness.

Day 9: Reduce Sugar Naturally

• Swap out added sugar for natural sweetness.
• Bake cookies with dates or honey, or make a festive fruit platter with fresh pears, apples, and pomegranate seeds.

Day 10: Give Back to Yourself

• Take a moment to care for your mental and emotional health.
• Try journaling, meditating, or simply sitting by the fire with a good book.

Day 11: A Digital-Free Evening

• Unplug from screens for the night.
• Play board games, engage in meaningful conversations, or enjoy a quiet moment under the twinkle of Christmas lights.

Day 12: Celebrate Your Progress

• Reflect on how your healthy habits made a difference.
• Plan how to carry these habits into the New Year, and treat yourself to a mindful holiday dessert like dark chocolate or a small serving of fruit cake.

Enjoy the gift of health this holiday season—one day at a time! 🎄

Marsha Fenwick, C.N.P.  R.R.T.