7 Healthy Holiday Habits By Christina Gandolfo
Sure, they can be hectic, but the holidays
can also be a time for family, fun, reflection and yes, even good
health. Practice these holiday musts to keep you on track.
1. Gravitate toward colorful foods. Things like yams,
sweet potatoes, cranberries and dark leafy greens are packed with
antioxidants that will keep your immunity revved up during cold
and flu season, and when extra stress is in the air.
2. Breath! Each day, take
at least two one-minute breaks to close your eyes, clear your mind,
breath deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This
will give your brain extra oxygen, will naturally cause you to loosen
tense shoulders and will bring you to a happy, peaceful state.
(See sidebar on how to perform deep breathing exercises).
3. Be realistic. The excess food during
the holidays can't be ignored. Recognize that you might eat more
than normal, but adopt strategies for keeping things under control.
At parties, socialize away from the buffet table where you'll be
less likely to grab mindlessly for cookies and calorie-dense snacks.
Limit yourself to two holiday treats instead of a handful when that
tin from the neighbor arrives. Drink low-fat eggnog. Fill up on
healthy snacks at home before going to parties. Savor reasonably
sized portions and avoid going back for seconds.
4. Make a top 10 list: List the top 10
things you learned this year and secure it to your refrigerator
to remind you of your wisdom in '04. Ask family members to do the
same so you can gain from each other's lessons and hold each other
accountable to what you've learned.
5. Give thanks. Before each meal, take
a moment to acknowledge what you are thankful for that day. This
will help you remember the non-material gifts you receive and will
also help keep you from rushing through meals.
6. Use your feet. Instead of packing up
the car to look at holiday lights, plan an hour or more walk through
your neighborhood with friends or family. If your neighborhood isn't
festive, explore another one by foot. Or if walking sounds too mild
for you, put your reflective gear on and plan an early evening run
among the holiday cheer.
7. Give back. Whether you volunteer at
a soup kitchen, adopt a family for whom you provide gifts, or donate
to the American Red Cross, giving back just feels good!
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