How Your Holiday Habits Impact Your Fitness (And What to Do About It!)

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let's be honest, a little
indulgence. While it's perfectly normal to enjoy festive treats and take a break from
your usual routine, it's important that you stay mindful of how your holiday habits are impacting your fitness journey.
Learn how the holidays might be impacting you – and what you can do about it.
How Your Routine Changes Around the Holidays

1. Traveling more
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), millions of Americans
travel during the holiday season. In 2019, AAA estimated that over 115 million
Americans would travel during the year-end holiday period.
Air travel is also prevalent during the holidays. In the same 2019 report, AAA
estimated that more than 6.9 million people in the United States would travel by air
during the holiday season.
Globally, holiday travel is a significant phenomenon. In 2019, a Statista survey
projected that over 1.5 billion people would be traveling internationally during the
Christmas and New Year period.
2. Drinking more
It’s not just travel that interferes with your regular routine.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA),
alcohol consumption tends to increase during the holiday season. Many people
celebrate with alcohol at holiday parties and gatherings.
In a study published in the journal BMC Public Health, researchers found that alcohol
intake tends to peak during festive seasons, including the holidays. They reported an
increase in alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New
Year's Eve.
3. Eating more

During the holiday season, many individuals tend to consume more calories than
usual due to the abundance of festive meals and treats.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American's weight
increases by about 0.4% over Christmas and New Year's – that’s 0.8 pounds
between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day!
In a single holiday meal, it's estimated that Americans may consume around 3,000 to
4,500 calories during a typical holiday meal.
4. Working out less
People also tend to be less active during the holiday season. Data from fitness
tracking apps and gym memberships suggest a decline in gym attendance during the
holiday season.
This can be because in some regions, winter weather during the holidays can impact
outdoor exercise routines. Cold temperatures and shorter days may discourage
outdoor activities, leading to a reduction in overall physical activity levels.
So it’s safe to say that you might be thrown off from your regular routine over the
holiday season. But what can you do about it?

6 Strategies for a Healthy Holiday Season
1. Mindful Eating
Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. Be mindful of portion sizes, savor each bite, and
listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. This way, you can relish the festive
flavors without overindulging.
2. Stay Active
Incorporate physical activity into your holiday routine. Whether it's a dog walk, a
home workout, or a family hike, staying active helps counteract the effects of
indulgent holiday meals.
Looking for a stylish and functional dog leash or dog harness? Check out WOLFpak’s
specialty dog gear.
3. Encourage Outdoor Family Activities

Incorporate outdoor family activities into your festivities. Consider planning a hiking
trip or nature walk with your loved ones. The weather might be cold, so make sure
you’ve got the right hiking gear.
Equip yourself with the right gear from WOLFpak's Adventure Awaits collection:
● The 35L Traditional Tactical Backpack, with its spacious design and durable
construction, is perfect for carrying essentials on your outdoor adventure.
● Customize your gear with Velcro patches, expressing your family's unique
style, and make great Christmas presents.
● The Tactical Water Flask for hiking ensures you stay hydrated throughout
your adventure.
4. Plan Your Indulgences
Rather than restricting yourself, plan when and how you'll enjoy holiday treats. This
proactive approach allows you to savor your favorite foods while maintaining
balance.
5. Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration is crucial for your overall health, particularly if you find yourself
drinking more alcohol over the holidays. Plus, drinking water can also help control
your appetite and prevent overeating.
You can motivate yourself to drink more water with a new WOLFpak Water Flask.
6. Prioritize Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Ensure you are
getting enough rest during the holiday season to support your fitness goals.
7. Meal Prep
A healthy meal, prepared in advance, can come in clutch – especially on holiday
travel days or big days out with the family. Use WOLFpak Meal Prep containers set
with airtight and liquid-safe aroma-saving lids. So no spills.

Stay on Track This Holiday Season
It's crucial to strike a balance between celebration and maintaining our well-being.
Whether it's managing holiday feasts, staying active during festivities, or planning
outdoor family adventures, mindful choices can make a significant impact. WOLFpak,
with its range of versatile and durable products, is your ally in embracing a healthy
and active lifestyle.
From spacious backpacks designed for various activities to accessories like Velcro
patches for personalization, WOLFpak caters to your needs.
Shop now.