Eat Right and Be Bright This Holiday Season
Are you looking for ways to keep your health on track while still enjoying the holidays? This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are being mindful of your health this holiday season. The good news is, there are easy ways to make sure you are staying healthy while celebrating.
Follow these tips to get healthy this holiday season:
Wash your hands often. There’s a reason why the first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week.[1] It’s flu season! To help prevent the spread of germs during the holidays, regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.[2]
Think ahead. Plan your meals ahead to include lots of seasonal, colorful fruits and vegetables to help you feel fuller longer and sprinkle in opportunities to be active to help keep inevitable indulgences in check.[3]
Need a recipe to try? Here is a great, healthy recipe for Kid-Friendly Cottage Cheese Very Blueberry Pancakes from the American Heart Association to get your holiday mornings off to a healthy start. Let us know how they turn out by sharing your finished products with us on social media! And don’t forget to stop by a Higi Station on your way to pick up the ingredients.
Budget meals wisely. Try to be choosy and spend your calories selectively on foods you absolutely love. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends limiting your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt and sugar and eating fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases.[4]
Check your blood pressure. The holidays can be stressful. Make sure you are keeping an eye on your health by stopping by a Higi Station twice during the month of December to monitor your blood pressure. Find a station now.
Find ways to be active. Be sure to balance things out by staying active. If being outside is an option, try going for a quick walk or get in a short workout before your next celebration.
Be mindful of what matters. While food is a big part of the holidays, it isn’t everything. Put your focus on family and friends and try to enjoy the moment to help reduce stress. Be sure to give yourself a break when you feel stressed out or overwhelmed.[4]