The holiday season is just starting, with Christmas decorations already up in large retail stores and friends and family already planning their Thanksgiving menus. There’s a lot to plan, and a lot more to do during this busy season.
With all of the busyness and the stress that comes about this season, and good food and fun too, it can be difficult to stay on track with your health.
We want to provide you with some helpful tips for staying healthy through the holidays, while still enjoying the food and the fun.
Avoid Overeating
Probably the most difficult thing to do during the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas season is portion control. With so many yummy sweets and all the good food for each meal, not to mention all of the baked treats friends and neighbors bring by, it’s all too easy to eat it all!
To avoid overeating (and ultimately enjoy your food and holiday more), try some of these tips:
- Serve yourself smaller portions.
- Eat slowly.
- Be aware of when you start to feel full.
- Save the treats that you didn’t make it to for later.
Limit Sugar
This one really goes hand in hand with overeating, but it’s important to watch not just your overall food intake, but your sugar intake as well. To avoid a trip to the dentist during this already chaotic time, limit the number of sugary treats you allow yourself to have each day or week.
Not only does sugar affect your teeth, but it contributes to weight gain, feeling lethargic or fatigued, and crashes if you eat too much. You should enjoy your favorite holiday treats, just make sure to have them in moderation.
Find Alone Time
Especially if you are hosting/planning any of the holiday gatherings, you need to find some “me-time” to relax and destress. Stress can have a number of negative effects on the body, not limited to weight gain, mental health issues, and problems with the immune system.
To stay healthy and happy throughout the chaos, be sure to find some time for yourself to relax and do things that you enjoy. Take a hot bath, read a book, get a massage, do some yoga. Whatever it is you need to do to stay sane and happy, make sure you take the time to do it.
Stay Active
It is way too easy to get so busy that you stop your exercising altogether. And let’s be honest, sometimes we’re just so tired by the end of the day that there’s no way we’re staying up that extra 30 minutes to get a workout in.
Try working out for a few minutes each morning before the busyness begins for the day. Have family walks or a football game with everyone gathered at your home. Incorporate active games into your holiday itineraries. These are some ways to help you and your family keep active through the holidays.
Prevent Infection
The holidays, with everyone gathering, hugging, and kissing, are a time of joy and a time of spreading germs.
Keep hand sanitizers available in every gathering space and handsoap stocked in every bathroom. Encourage small children to regularly wash their hands, especially if anyone has been sniffly. If any family members are sick, encourage them to stay in bed to prevent spreading their illness.
