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10 ways to stay healthy during the holidays
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 14:05 | Wendy
Oftentimes we anticipate the holidays with both excitement and apprehension. Reconnecting with family members, cooking a huge family dinner, and the overall hustle and bustle of shopping and traveling can distract us from focusing on our health.
It's very easy to overeat during the holidays, but instead of simply shrugging it off as "well, it's just that time of year again," why not take a proactive approach and follow some basic rules to maintain overall wellness, weight ... and, above all else, sanity.
1. Drink more water: Sure, you've heard it a gazillion times before, but water is your best friend. In more ways than one. Our bodies need water to stay hydrated; proper hydration helps to flush out toxins that can lead to illness. Hydration also keeps our organs healthy and functioning properly. Another benefit to water is its ability to create a feeling of fullness. Drink a large glass of water (don't chug it) before a big meal and you're likly to cut your calories by a third.
2. Back off the booze: OK, we know the holidays are a stressful time and a cocktail here and there helps to take the edge off. We're not saying to completely forego the Christmas cheer, but just ease up on it. Don't let alcoholic beverages become the focal point. First off, you don't want to be known as the drunk uncle (or aunt), and secondly, alcohol is nothing but empty calories. Beer gut, anyone?
3. Ramp up your exercise regimen: If you already exercise on a regular basis, take your routine up a notch. If you know you might be consuming more sweets, tack on an additional workout per week. Or opt for walking instead of driving. Get in your exercise wherever and whenever you can to make up for the added calories. Sign up for a local charity race that takes place before your big holiday meal. Make that Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie your reward.
4. Eat and run: The holiday season is full of cocktail parties and family gatherings. There is literally food at every turn. Make it habit to eat a healthy meal at home before you go to a party. This way you'll already be full and grazing the snack table won't be very appealing.
5. Get rid of grazing, limit portions: For some reason we tend to think that getting seconds at the holiday table is OK. We turn a blind eye to those additional calories, when in "real" life we would never eat multiple plates of rich foods and desserts. Yes, the food is delicious, but before you head back to that buffet, let your first plate of food digest. Then see if you're still hungry. It's also a good idea to load your place with 80 percent vegetables and 20 percent holiday goodness. Veggies will fill you up quicker.
6. Brush your teeth: Take your toothbrush with you and brush your teeth after you indulge in your holiday feast. Do you eat again after brushing your teeth at night? Not usually, right? Brushing your teeth gives you that little extra protective seal to help ward off unnecessary consumption.
7. Actively watch TV: We spend a lot of time watching sports events during the holiday season. Instead of passively lying on the couch, get up and get moving. If you have an exercise bike or treadmill, pull it out and get a workout in while you're watching TV. Even if you only watch in 10-minute intervals, that's 10 minutes of movement. No cardio machines? Try push-ups, sit-ups and ab exercises.
8. Plan family activities around fitness: The holidays are a time of togetherness. When planning your family activities, consider things that will involve some level of fitness. Go ice skating or take a walk in the park. Hit the mall for some serious shopping or wind down with family yoga. Get the kids away from the video games and get them in the gym instead. Or plan a game of flag football!
9. Plan a healthier potluck: Nothing beats Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie, so let Grandma bring her pumpkin pie. She is the matriarch, afterall. But ask other family members to consider a lighter version of their specialty holiday dishes. If Aunt Cathy is known for her macaroni and cheese, ask her to use low-fat milk and cheese instead. There are plenty of healthier recipes available online for our favorite holiday treats ... and they taste just as good!
10. Don't be an office junkie: The calories you take in at work can be astronomical during the festive holiday season. All your coworkers want to show off their concoctions, as well as get rid of the mass quantities of food we often collect this time of year. The office becomes a proverbial dumping ground for leftovers: cookies, turkey, sausage balls, cheese balls, fudge, candy, you name it, it'll show up. Don't fall prey to the treats that adorn the common area table. Bring your own snacks, and when everyone else is grazing, grab your granola bar and feel good about yourself!
