Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

This is the time of year when people typically over-indulge, eat unhealthy foods, and gain extra pounds. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and restraint, your holidays can be fun as well as healthy. Here are some suggestions for how to make that happen.

1. Eat Before You Go. Before every office party, holiday get-together or family dinner, eat a light, healthy snack before you go. Some raw veggies or a piece of fruit would be perfect. That way, you won’t be starving when you get there and it’ll be much easier to pass up foods you know you don’t need.

2. Choose Foods Wisely. Survey the food offerings and pick the ones that work best. Foods high in fiber, like fruits and vegetables, fill you up faster and stay with you longer, so you won’t feel the need to keep eating. They're also, of course, the healthier choices. Sugary foods like cakes and cookies, on the other hand, contain empty calories. Plus, their high sugar content encourages you to want to eat more.

3. Watch Your Alcohol Intake. In addition to adding excess calories, alcoholic beverages lower your inhibitions and your will power. If you drink too much alcohol, you’re much more likely to overeat. Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink, then switch to something that's good for you, like unsweetened, sparkling water. HINT: Bring a beverage like that to share so there’ll be plenty for you and for others.

4. Don't Forget to Exercise. Make sure you plan for exercise over the holidays. Include family members and make it fun. Go walking or bike riding if you’re someplace where the weather is warm. If it’s cold where you are, invite family and friends to go ice skating, skiing, or sledding.