Healthy Holiday Living

Over the past several weeks, this blog has provided tips for healthy (and tasty) cooking, holiday food survival and holiday stress survival. Healthy holiday living involves healthy eating, exercise and reduced stress to find joy and happiness throughout the season. It doesn’t mean restrictive dieting or weight loss, but rather a balance to enjoy AND be healthy. It is not too late to adjust so that you may truly enjoy the fun events of the season. 

Top tips for Healthy Eating, Exercise and Reduced Stress during the Holidays 

•  Keep expectations low and be happier when expectations are exceeded!

•  Prioritize and choose deadlines where the item is either completed or left alone until next year.

• Have a snack before going to a big party or event so that you are in control of your hunger.

• When you know that you will indulge, have a plan and enjoy. Leave the guilt trip for another day!

• Take time for yourself and enjoy a yoga, pilates, or qi gong class. Spend time enjoying your decorations, those in your neighborhood, and the decorations of special places close to home.

• Stick to your budget and avoid last minute impulse buys.

• Find a fun activity of the season and participate- ice skating, hiking, walking, biking, etc. are fun activities for the entire family (and friends)!

• Plan a walk around the neighborhood each evening after dinner. This is a nice way to take in your neighbors decorations.

• Go caroling.

• Give back to the community, volunteer at a charity, nursing home, hospital or shelter.

• Pick one person on your Christmas card list to phone and re-connect with.

• Plan a Christmas morning bike-ride, especially if someone gets a new bike!

• Healthy eating doesn’t have to be abandoned in the holidays just because you may be indulging a little more. Load up on fruits and veggies to offset the treats of the season.

• Choose the treats that are most special to you, leave the others for someone else.

• If someone gives you the gift of foods that are not special to you, “it’s the thought that counts” and you do not have to eat it!

• Choose to move more and take yoga classes more often.

• Greet the New Year with no regrets, no guilt, and no diets.

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah! The NutriWell Coaching & Yoga Family wishes you and yours enjoyment, happiness, joy and peace.