subject: Healthy Ways to Enjoy the Holidays! [print this page] Healthy Ways to Enjoy the Holidays! Healthy Ways to Enjoy the Holidays!
The holidays are an exciting time of year for most, or a stressful and overwhelming time for some. I recently was invited to speak about healthy ways to enjoy the holidays. When I talk about healthy living I incorporate many areas in one's life, not just nutrition. Because I believe it is so important to understand what living a healthy lifestyle means I decided to share some of the tips from my workshop.
1. Eat Breakfast You want to jump-start your metabolism right away in the morning, within 60 minutes of waking up, if possible.Would you take your car out without fuel in it?Well we should treat our bodies the same way.Studies show people who eat a healthy breakfast that is packed with protein and whole-grains, such as oatmeal or eggs and whole grain toast, lose weight quicker than those who eat a small non-nutrient dense breakfast.
2. Drink Water water is the best way to cleanse our systems.It keeps us hydrated.Especially if you are drinking alcoholic beverages, make sure you drink water as well. During the winter months our skin tends to be drier and water helps keep it moist.
3. Cut Back on Alcohol I am not saying to eliminate alcohol during the holidays but after celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's you might want to cut back for a little while.The calories from alcohol can add up quickly:Anywhere from 80-100 for a light beer or glass of wine to 400-600 for a specialty drink like eggnog.
4. Exercise-your workout routine is extremely important to maintain during the holidays.Besides helping to manage your weight it also helps to manage your stress levels by releasing endorphins or feel-good chemicals.Even a 15-20 minute brisk walk is better than nothing.Aim to exercise on days you are going to a holiday celebration or eating and drinking more than usual.
5. Sleep sleep is so important to our well-being.When we sleep our bodies are healing.Ever notice when you are exhausted you tend to eat more and less healthy?Craving caffeine, sugar, carbohydrates? Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.If you are unable to get that much sleep during the week try to make-up some of the time on the weekends.
