Health Reminders for A Happy Holiday

As holiday time approaches, preparations begin for the gathering of family and friends in celebration. Shopping lists expand, with items creeping in of goodies associated with the season. Sugary confections tempt us from every aisle, and our heads turn towards the artistically mounded mountains of exotic cheeses, cake boxes, and sinfully sumptuous desserts with their bright and shiny packaging.

We feel our waistlines expanding just looking upon all this magnificence, and those of us who can merely walk past without succumbing to temptation are few and far between. At some point, we capitulate, and we excuse the lapse because, after all, it only happens once a year!

To add to the other anticipated stresses experienced during the holidays is the challenge of maintaining healthy habits in nutrition. We expect to indulge in rich foods, large portions, and higher alcoholic beverage intake. While we can maintain a level of control over what we prepare and dish out, attending holiday events leaves us at the mercy of what our friends and families provide. This is especially difficult when we have a pre-existing medical condition.

Here are some reminders for making sure your holidays remain healthy and full of good cheer:

Mix It Up

Avoid the roller coaster of skipped meals in the misguided attempt to keep the pounds down in anticipation of overeating at an upcoming holiday event. By the time you reach the party, you will tend to overeat from excessive hunger. Try snacking on something healthy during the day like fruit, nuts, cottage cheese, or a nutritious bowl of soup. Eat light but eat right. Mix up your meals, make sure you have a healthy meal thrown into the mix between all the celebratory meals.

Make it Healthy

If you are attending a potluck, bring a nutritiously prepared dish that will benefit everyone. Try replacing ingredients with their lighter versions. Substituting items like cow milk with almond or coconut milk and incorporating healthier elements into the mix can create tasty alternatives. Color attracts, and a varied tray of brightly colored raw vegetables alongside an array of delicious dips is sure to be a big draw.

Be Choosy

Be selective at the table and limit yourself to dishes that are holiday favorites and prepared especially for this time of year. Make your choices count, mix up your selections with a healthy portion of vegetables and try not to be one of those who hover continuously around the buffet table. Mingle away from temptation.

Drink in Moderation

High in empty calories, in addition to the other known side-effects, overindulging in holiday cheer can influence what you eat and how much. Try using moderation and alternating with non-alcoholic drinks, the best choice being water.

Keep Up with Exercise

Exercise is another way to keep stress levels down and the extra weight off. A stroll after heavy meals is an opportunity to join family members and catch up on busy lives. Maintain your fitness regime, even add yoga to keep holiday stress at a minimum.

Temporary indulgence in the treats and dishes that are synonymous with the holidays should not have a lasting influence on your weight or health. Keeping things in moderation will ensure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest.