Holiday Healthy
Whether it’s an office holiday party or a family gathering, the season for giving is more like the season for gaining. The cookies, eggnog, buffet dinners, overflowing libations, and all the delicious temptations of the holidays tend to leave us loosening up our belts. Is it possible to enjoy the season without starting to look like Santa Claus? Yes, there are ways to curb those temptations and survive the holidays.
If you’re will power is low when it comes to these tasty treats, like mine, then you know how hard it is to resist the calling of those cookies your boss brought into work. Oh, the joy of those sweet, sweet, cookies! How they just melt in your mouth with every moist God sent morsel… that is until you realize you just wolfed down 5 of them at 150 calories each. Yikes! So, what are some ways to prevent yourself from piling up the calories and feeling a little holiday heavy?
Moderation: Having a little self-control over the holidays is the best way to maintain a healthier season. Some of the best ways to curb those temptations is by choosing healthy food options to balance your plate between healthy picks (veggies, light meat rather than dark, rice cakes, etc.) and that yummy junk food (cookies, cake, etc). Also, try to avoid or reduce the amount of those fatty dips or add-on’s that tend to sneak onto your plates.Think of it this way, ranch dressing (often used to add flavor to veggies) has 150 calories per 2 tbsp. (on average), which can add-up throughout the event. Watching your portion sizes are also key factors to healthy holidays, so be mindful of how much you're putting on your plate or drinking.
Water: Believe it or not, water can be the savior to most of your holiday weight gaining issues. When you’re drinking alcohol, try to blend in a glass of water between drinks. Not only will it balance out your alcohol level (preventing you from getting too drunk), but will also help hydrate your body. Drinking water at room temperature while eating can also help make your stomach feel fuller, and will send signals to your brain to stop or slow consumption. Above all else, water aids in hydrating your body during dry winter months, which can make you feel and look more energetic. So hydrate!
Exercise: It may be hard to work-in an exercise routine during the holidays, but you owe it to your health and well being. Staying active will not only keep you trim, but will also help lower stress levels. It’s no secret that the holidays can be a stressful time with family, travel, and money. A lot of us will turn to food for comfort, but too often it adds to the stress on our bodies. Whether you use a gym, walk in the mall, or do yoga on your new Wii, find something to keep you active. Excerise will reduce the stress, burn those calories, and make you look/feel younger [Fountain of Youth].
A healthy holiday season is possible, and it doesn’t have to restrict you from enjoying all the things you’ve grown to love. Following a few simple steps will help get you on the right track, and you’re body will thank you after all the festivities simmer down.
If you’re will power is low when it comes to these tasty treats, like mine, then you know how hard it is to resist the calling of those cookies your boss brought into work. Oh, the joy of those sweet, sweet, cookies! How they just melt in your mouth with every moist God sent morsel… that is until you realize you just wolfed down 5 of them at 150 calories each. Yikes! So, what are some ways to prevent yourself from piling up the calories and feeling a little holiday heavy?
Moderation: Having a little self-control over the holidays is the best way to maintain a healthier season. Some of the best ways to curb those temptations is by choosing healthy food options to balance your plate between healthy picks (veggies, light meat rather than dark, rice cakes, etc.) and that yummy junk food (cookies, cake, etc). Also, try to avoid or reduce the amount of those fatty dips or add-on’s that tend to sneak onto your plates.Think of it this way, ranch dressing (often used to add flavor to veggies) has 150 calories per 2 tbsp. (on average), which can add-up throughout the event. Watching your portion sizes are also key factors to healthy holidays, so be mindful of how much you're putting on your plate or drinking.
Water: Believe it or not, water can be the savior to most of your holiday weight gaining issues. When you’re drinking alcohol, try to blend in a glass of water between drinks. Not only will it balance out your alcohol level (preventing you from getting too drunk), but will also help hydrate your body. Drinking water at room temperature while eating can also help make your stomach feel fuller, and will send signals to your brain to stop or slow consumption. Above all else, water aids in hydrating your body during dry winter months, which can make you feel and look more energetic. So hydrate!
Exercise: It may be hard to work-in an exercise routine during the holidays, but you owe it to your health and well being. Staying active will not only keep you trim, but will also help lower stress levels. It’s no secret that the holidays can be a stressful time with family, travel, and money. A lot of us will turn to food for comfort, but too often it adds to the stress on our bodies. Whether you use a gym, walk in the mall, or do yoga on your new Wii, find something to keep you active. Excerise will reduce the stress, burn those calories, and make you look/feel younger [Fountain of Youth].
A healthy holiday season is possible, and it doesn’t have to restrict you from enjoying all the things you’ve grown to love. Following a few simple steps will help get you on the right track, and you’re body will thank you after all the festivities simmer down.
posted by Troy at 2:48 PM
1 Comments:
Hmmm, I wonder where the inspiration for this post came from? ;-)
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