This
wondrous, magical time of year can add sparkle to our lives,
but it can also have its downside for our health. Although
shopping, decorating, partying with friends, and eating holiday
goodies are all part of the festive mood and warm feelings
associated with traditions, they can also lead to overwhelming
expectations, exhaustion, overeating and weight gain. Here
are just a few common sense reminders to help you keep your
holidays not only more enjoyable, but healthier.
1.
Try to pace yourself. This applies with your shopping,
sleeping, exercising and eating. Saving too much shopping
for the last minute is guaranteed to create stress. Overindulging
at parties and with the extra food that is often around the
office or home is also a sure way to gain those unwanted pounds
over the holidays. Sample and enjoy small portions of the
food, without guilt, but try to do yourself a favor and make
a conscious effort to not overeat.
2.
Focus on five a day and a balanced diet. Just because
there are temptations around, eat first for your health, observing
a balanced diet with moderate portions. Don’t forget about
getting all your veggies and fruit choices in each day. Eating
in a balanced way will leave less of an appetite for the sweet
and high fat temptations that linger around every corner.
3.
Reduce your expectations. Reduce stress by perhaps
not decorating quite as elaborately as usual and not baking
all those traditional favorites, which may lead to overeating.
If entertaining, keep the food simple and light. Focus on
the joy of getting together with friends, rather than the
amount or complexity of the food.
4. Be
willing to substitute some new traditions for old ones.
Old high calorie, high fat traditional recipes can often be
“lightened” with substituting a few ingredients or how about
using some new lighter recipes. Change is often refreshing
and in this case healthier as well. Perhaps substitute your
baking creativity this year with holiday craft creativity
- a new handmade wreath or ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Instead of baking your traditional holiday cookies get your
creative juices flowing with making a gingerbread house.
4.
Concentrate on maintaining your weight, not losing it.
Don’t set weight loss goals during these few weeks, set a
weight maintenance goal instead. You will be ahead if you
can simply avoid gaining the 4 - 6 pounds many Americans gain
between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
5.
Burn off those extra calories. Unfortunately when
life gets busy, an exercise routine might be the first casualty.
Even if your usual habits and routines change during these
busy days, try to incorporate new ways of getting exercise.
Shopping is always good for that; walk briskly in the malls,
park a distance from the door (that is probably a given anyway),
take the stairs in the stores or parking ramps when possible.
If you can forge through the snow, take a walk around your
neighborhood to see the lights and holiday decorations.
Take care of yourself and the holidays will have added joy
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