How to Maintain Health During the Holidays: An Athlete’s Guide by Guest Post JVA December 21, 2021 | 3 minutes, 1 second read AlexandraKa via Shutterstock At this time every year, athletes add another important aspect to their lives that can impact their training and performance: celebrating the holidays. With more time dedicated to seeing friends and family, this can be a healthful and restorative period for athletes—a chance to mentally recharge. The holidays, however, bring several temptations that when left unchecked can lead to negative effects on training that outweigh the positive energy during this month. Let’s look into how people tend to overindulge and what strategies you can exercise to maintain fitness through the month. Respect your hard work and discipline during the rest of the year by following these tips! Indulge in moderation. One lavish meal won’t dig you into a hole but a season of calorie-dense meals will, so try to exercise greater vigilance throughout the month. It is unlikely that the one to two pounds the average American gains during the holidays (and doesn’t lose, according to a The New England Journal of Medicine study) comes from a specific meal you had. The hidden calories are in all the little treats throughout the season. Included in that category are peppermint mochas, the candy bowl that sits on the table for the month of December, the endless supply of holiday cookies, and many more parties that involve festive drinks. About JVA The JVA Vision is to be the premier organization to serve all the needs of the Junior Volleyball Community. JVA is the ONLY national association that is 100% focused on junior volleyball and the needs of junior clubs. JVA is the leader in Junior Volleyball Programs and is a voice for junior clubs – your programs and your needs. JVA's number one goal is to help your club programs and events thrive. JVA unites club directors, coaches and educators to improve the junior volleyball experience. More Healthy at Home Articles What Does Coronavirus Mean for My Recruiting? The coronavirus pandemic is something that is far bigger than sports and we hope you and your family are healthy and safe. Staying in Shape During COVID-19: Tips for Athletes The COVID-19 Pandemic: Tips for Athletes, Coaches, Parents, and the Sport Community Now, more than ever, it is important to pay attention to your mental health, extend compassion to others (at a safe distance), and work to create some semblance of normalcy in your day-to-day life. Give Your Athlete the Gift That Will Keep on Giving But in addition to all of these good gifts, what your child really needs is a gift that will keep on giving 10 Soccer Drills You Can Practice at Home Some of the best soccer drills you can practice at home can be done with just a ball, your feet, and some dedication 8 Exercises That Kids Can Do at Home to Stay Active – And How to Keep Them Motivated Keeping kids active while they’re stuck at home during lockdown can be a challenge, here's some tips to keep kids active Teach Your Child to Love a Sport What you need to know so that your budding athlete always feels like a winner. 6 Ways Coaches Can Continue to Support their Athletes During COVID-19 Coaches and experts around the U.S. weigh in on how you can support your athletes when in-person practices and games aren’t happening due to Covid-19 Core Training Workout You Can Do From Home Master these steps to optimize your body positioning in the water. 7 Ways to Exercise at Home With a Toddler or Preschooler At home with a rambunctious toddler or preschooler? Here's how to exercise in a way that gets your heart pumping and helps run down their energy, too. 5 Easy Ways for Young Athletes to Practice Gratitude Gratitude can be practiced just like standard skills and drills, leading to both performance and general wellness benefits. Sports Families: Remember to Prioritize Family Time this Holiday Season Regardless of your family plans over the holidays, it’s important to remember to keep them a priority. And that includes before youth sports. View More Read the Rest of the Article at JVA sports in this article Volleyball tags in this article Athlete Healthy at Home JVA