Healthy Holidays to You & Yours!

JUPITER, FL – October 30, 2017 – November and December constitute a time of year for giving thanks, spending time with loved ones, and counting our blessings. At the same time, these holiday months are also a time for indulging in our favorite treats and making some not-so-healthy decisions. Let’s face it: We are all a little guilty of overindulging during the holidays and for most of us, it’s unavoidable. Working your way through a jar of mom’s homemade cookies, going for seconds at Thanksgiving dinner, and enjoying all of the other goodies that happen to find their way into our homes are just a few of the contributing factors to those couple of extra pounds that always seem to appear out of nowhere during this season. So whether you are staying home or hitting the road to spend the holidays with loved ones, it is possible to stay healthy during the most wonderful time of the year. 

Family and friends are spread out near and far and the holidays are a perfect time to go for a visit. For those of you that will be leaving town, what can you do to travel wisely? Taking your daily vitamins, washing your hands thoroughly at the airport, taking stretch breaks during your road trip, and making sure to get enough sleep are just a few things to keep in mind. Our immune system is under a lot of stress when we travel and it is important to fortify it to prevent getting sick or worn out. Also, remember to pack a couple of outfits you are comfortable exercising in. Once you have settled in at your destination, you can locate a neighborhood gym or take advantage of the hotel fitness center so you won’t have to miss out on any workouts! If you plan ahead and get creative, you really don’t have to switch up your routine too much when you’re not at home.

If guests are coming to visit you, this means that you are on your own “turf”, and that you are in control of the food situation. Not only do you get to call the shots on how each meal will be prepared, you also get to delegate what kind of snacks to have available for you and your company. Get creative with your food prep and substitutions. Nowadays, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to make just about any meal a tad bit healthier. To keep you and your company active, suggest group walks or activities to get everyone moving. This will allow for bonding time and burning some unwelcome calories. Most gyms allow members to bring guests for a small fee, in case any of your company would like to join you for a spin class or
a quick workout.

Whether you are traveling or staying at home, try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible. Don’t be hard on yourself for cheating because, realistically, it’s expected and hard to avoid. At each meal, watch your portions and do your best not to overeat. Keep your snacking and alcohol consumption to a minimum. Temptation is all around us during the holidays, and we must do our best not to give in. Try making a friendly wager with a friend or family member to keep each other accountable and to see who can gain the least amount of weight over the holiday season!

To wrap it up­—pun intended—we can’t forget that the the most important part of the holidays is spending time with your loved ones. It is OK to stray away from your typical diet and exercise routine during these joyful times, but there are ways to minimize the damage. Be prepared and stay mindful while traveling, control the food situation when company comes to visit, and stick to your usual routine as much as you feel comfortable. Enjoy yourself during this wonderful season, as it only lasts for a couple of months.

Healthy Holidays and a Happy New Year!