Ten Healthy Ways to Spend Your Holidays

The holidays bring along lots of indulgences and partying. Remember you need to socialize with friends and family during holidays, but not ignore your healthy eating goals. There are plenty of ways to focus on the occasion, not on fat- or calorie-rich foods.

Tip #1: Control portion sizes. How much you eat may also lead to weight gain, not only what you eat.

Tip #2: Make healthy and road-safety decisions when it comes to holiday beverages.
Sparkling water, nonalcoholic lower fat eggnogs, cranberry juice spritzers, and “virgin” Caesars are a good option for the holidays. You should also have some water with a slice of lemon between each drink.

Tip #3: Choose zucchini, broccoli flowerets, red and green peppers, cucumber sticks, carrot curls, hummus, fat-free sour cream, fresh salsa, yogurt with herbs instead of chips and cream-laden dips.

Tip #4: Have crispy pita triangles, Melba toast, and flatbread instead of salty snacks or high-fat crackers.

Tip #5: End the meals with exotic fresh fruits such as pineapple, mango, blood oranges, kiwi, pomegranate, and grapes.

Tip #6: The holiday spirit should move you! If you do regular exercise, you may cope with the stress from the holiday bustle and compensate your food indulgences. Don`t worry you don`t have time to go to the gym. Why not go to the grocery store and carry your groceries.

Tip #7: Plan a hike, skating, or a cross-country afternoon. This way, the physical activity is part of you holiday fun.

Tip #8: Try to limit your appetizers, and have breakfast along with a few small meals during the day so you won`t overeat later.

Tip #9: Offer healthy gifts that last. For instance, golf lessons, an exercise ball, yoga videos, light weights for strength training or a pedometer are great ideas.

Tip #10: Although it`s holiday, keep tracking your calorie intake and physical activity.