Happy and HEALTHY Holidays!

December 24th, 2017

As we start the holiday season, we should all consider that the average American gains 2 pounds every year around this time!  While it may not seem like much, it can really add up over the years and make it more difficult to reach your ideal body mass index.

Here are some tips to navigate the festivities wisely and stay healthy:

• Indulge, but within reason.  Depriving yourself of your favorite food may not be an option, but limiting the portion can be.  Budget your calories.  If you know you will be having a large dinner, eat a more reasonable lunch with plenty of vegetables.
• Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol.  Alcohol can be very high in calories.  For example, some beers such as IPA’s (India Pale Ales) can have upwards of 200 calories per bottle!  (that’s more calories than soda!) Here are some tips on moderation.  Alcohol can also worsen depression and anxiety.
• Exercise as a family.  Encourage your kids to get off the couch and get active.  Go for a hike if the weather isn’t too cold.  Even walking in a museum or shopping mall can be exercise.
• Drink plenty of water.  Many of the salty foods and alcohol cause us to be dehydrated.
• Get enough rest and quality sleep.
• Get your flu shot if you haven’t.  I am already seeing signs that this is going to be a terrible flu season.  The flu shot may not be 100% effective this year, but it will still provide some protection, which is better than nothing.
• Spend quality time with your loved ones, check in on elderly relatives.  Holidays can trigger depression, sometimes related to seasonal affective disorder, lack of Vitamin D, or social isolation.  Put away the phones, tablets, computers, and video games and have conversations.  Play fun board games, go hiking, or bake cookies together.

Happy Holidays to you and your families!!!