12 Healthy Holidays
The Holidays are upon us; time commitments and expectations can
become overwhelming leaving us feeling anxious and stressed. The
American Council on Exercise recommends the following tips to keep
you energized, healthy and happy through the holiday season.
- Take
time for your self every day to relax. Try a yoga class, a massage,
a walk in the park, or time in a salon.
- Set realistic exercise
or fitness goals; exercise for 20 minutes a day if an hour is
out of the question. This way you will not feel
guilty or disappointed.
- Spend time with one of your family members,
co-workers or friends by taking a walk.
- Replace non-active traditions
with new active ones, such as ice skating or sledding parties,
search for a Christmas tree at a tree
farm, caroling in the neighborhood.
- Now is not the time to try to
loose weight or restrict your diet, so stay away from foods that
leave you feeling deprived by eating
your favorite foods but in smaller portions.
- Drink plenty of water.
Water helps counter the dehydrating effects of traveling and
drinking alcoholic beverages. Water will also help
curb your appetite.
- Spread out your food consumption throughout
the day and/or throughout the meal. Take a walk between the dinner
and desert.
- Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. These
stimulants can add to your feelings of stress.
- Aim for enjoyment
not perfection by setting realistic demands on your time and
energy.
- The secret is in the balance. Make up for the high-fat,
festive food consumption days with low-fat meals the next couple
of days.
- When going to a party or celebration, have a light salad,
light soup or fruit before leaving home; and remember to space
the party
beverages with a glass of water.
- Laugh- it's a great tension reliever
that reduces stress and also burns calories.
So, relax and use these healthy suggestions to enjoy the holiday
season without guilt and make your commitment for a healthier new
you in the new year.
Have a Healthy Holiday and New Year! |
