12 Days of Healthy Ideas for Christmas

Christmas time is wonderfully busy time. There are decorations to hang, parties to attend, carols to sing and cookies to bake. Staying healthy and fit is usually the furthest thing from our minds.

Although it’s important to relax with our family and indulge in some sweet and savory treats, you don’t have to throw your healthy lifestyle completely out the window.

There are many different ways you can enjoy all the Christmas festivities while staying healthy and fit. Take a look at my list of 12 Days of Healthy Ideas for Christmas PLUS a free Christmas workout printable.

12 Days of Healthy Ideas for Christmas

1. Build a Veggie Gingerbread House- I saw this idea on Facebook and thought it was so cute and clever. It’s a great way to get your toddler to eat more veggies too. There are lots more creative and healthy festive food ideas out there. Have you seen those cute strawberry/grape Grinch hats? Check out more Healthy Christmas Food Ideas over at Clean and Scentsible.
2. Embrace yummy winter fruits and vegetables- Oh! There are so many tasty winter fruits and vegetables: brussels sprouts, beets, avocados, grapes, clementines, butternut squash, grapefruit and more. Try my butternut squash pasta sauce or Pomegranate quinoa salad or check out some of these yummy winter recipes from Cooking Light.
3. Make a tasty, healthy winter soup- I just LOVE a warm bowl of soup during the cold, winter months. The canned stuff typically contains a lot of sodium, so why not make your own? Choose one of the 19 Healthy Slow Cooker Soups and Stews from Sweet Peas and Saffron.
4. Head out and chop down your own Christmas tree- A hike to find and chop down your own tree burns quite a few calories. Though, be sure to read up on our experience last year and what NOT to do when chopping down a tree. 
5. Bundle up and head out for a winter run- There are lots of fun Santa-themed races out there. After your run you can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. If you are in the area, check out some fun Christmas-themed runs near us. Before you head out, don’t forget to check out my favorite cold weather running gear.
6. Speaking of hot cocoa, why not make a healthier version? Try this Healthy, Dairy-free Hot Chocolate (with no refined sugar) from Wellness Mama OR this four ingredient version from The Chic Life.
7. Turn up the Christmas music and burn some calories decorating the house- I love getting into the Christmas spirit through some music and a little decorating. It’s easy to forget that you are staying active while you do it. For a ton of Christmas decorating ideas, head to my pinterest page.
8. Build a snowman! No snow? Head outside anyway and look for some natural items for cheap, but rustic decorations like these 12 cool natural DIY Christmas ornaments from Shelterness.
9. Christmas is the season of the cookie, try a healthier version this year- There’s no harm in splurging during the holidays, but it can be hard not to go a little overboard with all of the tasty cookies out there. I found a list of 21 Secretly Healthy Cookie Recipes to try from Chocolate Covered Kate.
10. Go on a Christmas scavenger hunt around your neighborhood- Yes, it’s fun to drive around at night and take a look at the lights, but it’s great exercise to get out during the day and take a walk. You could bring your toddler along and discuss the differences between night and day! Here’s a cute Christmas scavenger hunt printable from The Evolution of Mom.
11. Drink plenty of water- Throw in some pomegranate seeds or cranberries and mint to turn your regular glass of water into something beautiful and festive!
12. Try a Christmas-themed workout– There are so many December fitness workouts and challenges out there. They are a fun way to stay active and fit. I decided to make my own. Try it out and get your free printable below!

How do you plan to stay healthy this Holiday season? Leave me a comment below~