I hope you are having a wonderful and healthy holiday season
so far. This week we’ll talk about more
ways to prevent holiday weight gain.
Tip #3 Plan non-food activities.
Many holiday activities revolve around food. Try some alternate activities or set new
traditions. Some fun activities that don’t involve food include decorating the tree;
touring holiday lights; Christmas caroling; or seeing a holiday-themed show.
Are there some food-related activities that you
just can’t live without? How about a
makeover? For example, change an annual
cookie baking contest into a challenge to make a yummy 100 calorie treat. Again the goal here is moderation rather than
deprivation.
Tip #4 Manage your schedule.
We are increasingly busy year round. Add a hectic holiday schedule to your life
and you may miss the true spirit of the holidays.
We can manage the madness by prioritizing activities. It’s tempting to accept every invitation to
every activity but it’s OK to sometimes say “No”. Saying “No” can be quite liberating. You don’t even have to make excuses. You’re simply “not available”. You’ll then be able to enjoy the parties and
other events that are close to your heart.
Tip #5 Focus on giving.
As a society we have become obsessed with finding the perfect
gifts and getting the best deals. We no
longer wait until Black Friday, and we’re skipping Thanksgiving celebrations to
start shopping early. This tip is to focus
on the meaning of giving. Rather than
buy expensive gifts, many people are now giving the gift of time and
friendship. How cool is that? Our mental and financial health will improve
with an adjustment in our giving philosophy.
Another way to give is to volunteer. Studies show that individuals who volunteer
have better self-esteem and are more connected to their community. It can be
fun to volunteer at a toy drive for underprivileged children, or help out at a
local food bank. Volunteers have the opportunity to make new friends and boost
their social and professional networks.
There are also health benefits to volunteerism, such as less
frequent illness and lower mortality from chronic disease.
May your holidays bless you with health and happiness. Stay tuned for more tips.
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