The holiday season is here! A time when we huddle inside against the cold, meet with friends and relatives for endless parties and meals, and travel across the country on buses, trains and airplanes. It's a perfect recipe for cheer, but also for stress, and the seemingly inevitable winter cold or flu.
Another common health concern during the holidays is eating…or rather over-eating. It is well documented that most people gain weight from November through January. Who hasn’t joined a gym, started an exercise program, or gone on a crash diet at the beginning of January hoping to undo all of the excesses of the holidays?
Here's a few tips to help you eat right and stay healthy during the holidays:
Remember to wash your hands: you will be in contact with more people over the holiday season so wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
Drink alcohol in moderation: many holiday beverages, including eggnog and hot chocolate, have empty calories so limit your intake or have a glass of water between each drink.
Get some rest: try to get to bed around the same time every night to reduce stress.
Eat smaller portions of food: if you want to try something of everything at the buffet line, stick to small amounts of each item.
Exercise: use that extra time off of work to maintain or start an exercise regime.
Think about how good it will
feel to give the gift of health to yourself this year! Your choice to stay healthy and fit during the
holidays will impact many. Think about how your holidays will be more meaningful this year if
you remain strong and rested and don’t add unwanted pounds.
“Happy New Year” can have an entirely new meaning as you