Holiday Health Tips

• Do not overindulge. Maintain your healthy eating habits throughout the holidays.
• Do not skip meals. Hunger caused by s kipping meals often make it easier to overindulge.
• Try small portions of food. If you are served large portions, eat half and take the rest home for another meal. Avoid going for seconds or pack up seconds for the next day.
• Load up on the healthy fruits and vegetables (start off your meal with a healthy salad) therefore only leaving a little room for special holiday treats.
• Eat a healthy high fiber snack before going to a holiday dinner or party to avoid overeating. High fiber foods leave you feeling satisfied and fuller for longer periods of time.
• Slow down. Take time to enjoy your meal by chewing slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and savoring the taste of your food. It takes time for your brain to realize that your stomach is full
• Do not eat to get full but enjoy being satisfied. Let your brain catch up with your stomach. Then you won’t have an overwhelming urge to rub your stomach, loosen your pants, and fall asleep while standing or watching television.
• Drink plenty of water! Drinking water keeps you hydrated and may help you avoid the temptation of high calorie, high sugar unhealthy drinks.
• Don’t forget to exercise, exercise, exercise! Do not skip your normal exercise or treat yourself and make exercise a habit this holiday season. Exercise will help keep the weight and stress down.
• Try something new for the holidays. Schedule a family walk after your holiday meal; instead of eating out with friends for the holidays, get together and try an exercise class at Drew; or exercise to get away from all the holiday hustle and bustle.
• Do the little things: choose to park your car farther out from the store and speed walk in, take the stairs instead of the elevator, rake your yard or cut your grass.
• Get your rest. Make sure you are getting at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep. It will help you keep down the stress and stay alert and on top of your health during the holiday season.