MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The holiday season is in full swing and we find ourselves attending office holiday parties and get-togethers hosted by family and friends.
These events tend to be filled with fun and food. Every year, many of us struggle to maintain normal eating, drinking and exercise habits while being tempted on a more than usual basis.
Some of the following tips have proven to be successful for those looking to avoid and keep that stubborn holiday weight off:
- Plan ahead: Try to picture what you will do prior to going to a party. Will you have one plate of food? Will you have a healthy snack or meal before you attend? This can help prevent overeating.
- Bring your own healthy dish: Having a food choice that isn’t loaded with fat and calories may help you when others aren’t trying to be as health conscious as you.
- Schedule physical activity: Be a little more active with any extra time you have, as this can help with the stress of the season as well. Consider signing up for a race with the family or make a plan to walk after a holiday meal. This can help you so that you aren’t being constantly tempted by food in sight. It may also be a tradition that you and your family can look forward to every year.
- Make healthy substitutes: Most traditional recipes include ingredients that don’t need as much fat, sodium, sugar, and total calories as the recipe calls for.
- Choose beverages carefully: Think twice before you grab that egg nog. It may have the same amount of calories as a dessert!
- Make sure to stick with your normal routine: Eat breakfast, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. This will help you survive the holidays without feeling as stuffed as the bird or feeling tired.
We all know that holiday celebrations don’t look like a hallmark card. Plan for a lower stress holiday by preparing a simple and healthy meal, choosing to spend time with people whose company you enjoy and putting limits on time spent with people who cause you stress.
If you are looking for more tips to help you overcome the holiday season and start the year off with a healthier outlook, the Healthcare to Health Team is ready to help.
Healthcare to Health (H2H) empowers you to make healthy choices routine by offering weekly classes and individual health coaching for family members, retirees, and the MacDill Community. Call the H2H Team at 813-827-9405 to learn more or register for one of our programs.