HEALTHY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY

Twas the month of Christmas and all through the house, people were baking and eating just stuffing their mouths. When what to their wondering eyes should appear but inches and pounds mixed in with the holiday cheer. If you want keep this old familiar holiday tale from happening to you this season, here are some healthy hints to keep in mind:

FOOD & DRINK TIPS:

• Moderation: Go ahead and enjoy your holiday favorites. It's all about portion control and trusting the old adage of quality versus quantity. Your favorite holiday foods like cakes, cookies, and candies are loaded with lot's of calories with no real nutritional value.
• Fruits and veggies first: Stock up on the fruits and veggies first so you're getting your fruits and vegetables in for the day. Plus you'll be filling up on healthier calories instead of cakes and cookies.
• Don't forget the water: Alcohol, eggnog, hot chocolate and other sweet drinks can pour on the calories quickly. Be sure to drink plenty of water in between these other holiday favorites. Water won't pour on the pounds, but the other drinks will. Plus drinking plenty of water will help keep you hydrated during this especially drying time of year.

EXERCISE TIPS:

• Walk, walk, walk: Most mall parking lot’s are full this time of year. So enjoy the extra long walk, from the end of the parking lot, or take a trip or two around the neighborhood as you breathe in the cool winter air.
• Hit the indoor exercise equipment: Take advantage of indoor exercise machines and equipment, to help keep you in shape. There’s such a wide selection of home exercise equipment nowadays, that you’ll be sure to find a special exercise workout or piece of equipment that you’ll enjoy sweating too.
• Shovel snow: If you’re fortunate enough, to live where it snows. Be sure to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the white stuff, while burning off those holiday calories. Be sure to stretch before and after shoveling to help ward off muscle soreness.
• Skate or ski: Take advantage of the exercise activities the season has to offer. Ski or skate outside in the new fallen snow. If you live where it’s warm, skate at an indoor rink. Then enjoy the feel of the ice as you skate away grandma’s cookie calories.

STRESS PREVENTION & RELIEF TIPS:

• Stretch away stress: Stress build up can be at an all time high during the holidays. The shopping, parties, and schedule balancing can all take their toll. Stretching provides a great way to relieve and prevent stress build up. So go ahead stretch those limbs and feel the tension melt away!!
• Save time and shop online: Shopping with your finger tips and computer will save you time, money (no gas etc.), and avoid the stress of standing in long lines for what seems like hours. This will allow you to spend time on your favorite workout at home or in the gym.

Go ahead and enjoy the holiday season!! Just do it in moderation and in good health!!

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