Healthy and Happy Holidays!

It’s no secret that the holiday season is a time for family, friends, parties, and most importantly food! Everyone wants to be able to indulge on the holidays, but no one wants their waist lines to expand. Here are some holiday tips to help you get the best of both worlds. J

Unless you live in Southern California or in a state where it’s warm all year round, you understand the struggle of staying active during the winter months. The lake effect snow and cold temperatures are usually all it takes to defer people from venturing outside their cozy living rooms. However, there are plenty of fun activities that can keep you and your family active during this time of year!

• ·      Ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, and sledding are examples of winter events the whole family can participate in together.
• ·      Take a walk around the community to look at all the lights on people’s houses around your neighborhood.
• ·      Don’t neglect your gym memberships!

In regards to the meals at holiday parties, there are some tips to help you stay away from overeating or overindulging on some of your favorite holiday goodies.

• ·      Choose your beverages wisely! Not many people take into account how many calories are actually in your favorite Christmas cocktail or grandma’s “special” eggnog. Balance these out by drinking water and other low-calorie drinks, as well. This will keep you hydrated and help cut back on some unwanted calories.
• ·      Don’t wait to eat at the party. You’re more likely to overeat if you starve yourself all day to leave room for all of your favorite treats. So remember to eat a little healthy snack, like an apple and peanut butter or celery and humus before heading out for the party.
• ·      If you are trying to cut back on calories or if your family is trying to have a healthier holiday season, modifying recipes is easier than it seems. Try using low fat milk and cream in some of your dessert recipes. Another suggestion is using low fat and oil based dressings for salads instead of things like creamy ranch or French dressings.
• ·      Keep your plate balanced! If you decided to take an extra scoop of that awesome cornbread casserole that Aunt Susie made, maybe take a little less of grandma’s garlic mashed potatoes. A lot of the times our eyes are bigger than our stomachs!

Something no one should ever cut back on, however, is dessert! Allow yourself to splurge a little during the holidays, but not too much. Remember it’s all about balance!