It really is getting to be the most wonderful time of the year- and that means friends, family, fun and food! But that doesn’t mean we can’t make healthy choices. All you need to do is to set a goal for yourself, make little changes, keep moving and savor the season.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind this holiday season.
- Eat Healthy
- Stay Active
- Make Fun Plans
Eating healthy is not as hard as you think, even during the holiday seasons. A few changes in choices and things to keep in mind make a big difference in everyday and holiday foods. When you make your plate, at home and at parties, try to fill it with vegetables and fruits first, and then add on higher calorie foods in small portions. Make healthy versions of your favorite recipes, with less sugar, fat and salt. If you take food to a party, make it healthy- that way you’ll have always have a healthy choice. Remember, don’t drink your calories. Choose drinks with little or no sugar- like flavored waters, unsweet coffee or tea, no-sugar lemonade or unsweet choices.
Staying active is a great way to healthier holidays. It’s a busy season, and keeping yourself moving is good for you--physically and mentally. When you are out shopping, park your car further away from your destination--all the extra steps add up. Take the stairs when you get the chance. In stores, walk around the aisles a few times or around the shopping center. The benefits of physical activity are many- maintain or lose weight, lower blood pressure, decrease risk of diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve your balance. When you plan to stay active, you sleep better, reduce anxiety, and keep your mind sharp.
Making fun plans is the best way to celebrate this season- and they can be good for you. When with family or friends, take a group walk or plan an outside activity or game. Walk around the neighborhood to see holiday lights, plan a group activity like a scavenger hunt, go caroling, or attend a holiday outing at a park or outdoor venue. If you can plan for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week--you’ll be on the right track. Just 30 minutes five times a week or 22 minutes daily--it all counts. Holiday times are the best for spending time with family or making new friends. Bundle up and go outside or dress up and attend an indoor event- just move as much as you can.
Holidays can be festive and healthy. It’s all about your choices. Eat healthy, stay active, make fun plans. Set goals for yourself. Choose to hydrate wisely, fill your plate with better foods, move whenever you can, and most of all- have fun!
Dr. Lehrmann is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
