18, Dec 2024
Welcome to December, a month filled with joyful holidays and happiness. A big challenge is enjoying the holidays without jeopardizing your healthy habits. It is easier said than done. Don't feel bad about having treats, like a few extra cookies, during the holiday season.
The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with loved ones. But winter can affect your physical and mental health, even during the festivities. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay healthy through the season.
Healthy snacks before heading to a party can help reduce hunger and the risk of overindulging. An excellent pre-party snack comprising complex carbohydrates, protein, and unsaturated fat is apple slices with peanut butter or even hummus on whole-wheat pita bread.
Start your holiday meal with a simple salad to keep your appetite in check. A colorful salad with vegetables and fruits containing plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber can help you feel full longer, keeping you from filling up with other high-calorie foods.
Chewing food more slowly before swallowing may reduce overall food intake. Since chewing is an essential part of the digestive process, eating slowly by chewing more can help increase nutrient intake, improve your digestion, and make you enjoy food more.
Beware of the calories if you plan to drink eggnog, cocktails, hot chocolate, sugary sodas, or other traditional drinks during a holiday party. Choose a glass of sparkling water with a splash of your favorite juice.
Winter is a good time for hot cocoa and cider, but always try to make your first drink water. While hot beverages are great for warmth, keep them balanced with at least eight cups of water daily. A glass of water with and between meals keeps you hydrated, healthy, and ready to fight any germs winter may bring. Save your holiday drinks for the main meal.
Before choosing your festive meal with various delicious foods, scan through all the dishes and first consider your must-try dishes. Begin with a small portion of your preferred dish and enjoy your food.
Stick to your typical sleep schedule despite all the celebrations and traveling. To ensure a good night's sleep, avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bedtime.
As cold weather discourages you from keeping up with your fitness routines, it's easy to let these habits slide for the season. Remember that regular activity can keep you mentally and physically healthy. Choose an indoor exercise area if the temperature is below zero or the windchill is extreme. Workout apps or online exercise programs are great tools to get you moving in the comfort of your home. If you prefer to exercise outside, dress appropriately with layers of warm clothes.
Germs accumulate through nearly everything you touch. So, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces and rinsing well.
Handwashing is one of the great ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illnesses like the common cold to others. Remember to get the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine boosters, or any other age-appropriate preventive routine vaccines to avoid being sick during the coldest time of year.
Following the above tips can ensure that you can have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday.
Make time for your friends and family, and good cheer, and embrace relaxation when you can.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)