Staying Healthy During the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching, and so are the dreaded holiday pounds! This year we want you to focus on family, laughter and building memories; rather than feeling sluggish and regretful. Here are a few simple tips to keep you healthy and happy through this holiday season.

• Keep up your workout routine/stay active
  • Don’t let the chaos and time constraints put your exercise routine on the backburner.  By maintaining your physical fitness, you will keep up your energy levels and be able to tackle that shopping list in no time.
• Stock up on freezer meals
  • The last thing you want to do after a day filled with kids, work and holiday preparation is haul the family to the grocery store, then slave over the stove. By spending an afternoon preparing freezer meals, you can pop one in the crockpot before you head out for the day and be ready to sit down for dinner right when you walk through the door. Added perk, your family gets to walk into a delicious smelling home and have a healthy meal every night!
• Don’t deprive yourself, but pick and choose your favorites
  • If you attempt to deprive yourself of all treats through the holidays you will dread every party that you feel obligated to go to. Remember that this is the time of year to enjoy your friends and family and be thankful for your blessings. Celebrate that! But you can celebrate within reason. Chose a few of your favorite treats (guilt free!) and pass on the others.
• Focus on a holiday project
  • Whether you enjoy decorating every inch of your home, hand making all of your holiday gifts or you get nostalgic during this time of the year; dive into a project that will relieve stress and distract form the constant presence of food and drinks. Organize those pictures that you have had in boxes for years, bust out the sewing machine or throw tinsel around until your home is sparkling like a diamond! These are positive holiday distractions that you often don’t make time for during the rest of the year.

Most of all, when you’re frustrated and fighting crowds at the mall, try to remind yourself what the holidays truly mean to you. Be kind and forgiving of others (they may be struggling with the holiday balance), be patient and be thankful for the abundance of blessings in your life. Cherish every moment with your family and friends and make this year an amazing memory filled with love and laughter.