5 Ways to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season
The holidays are a joyous and celebratory time- but they can also lead to unhealthy habits. While you are spending time with family and friends,
keep these 5 things in mind to be healthier and happier, even after the holidays are over.
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Minimize Stress
The holidays can be a stressful time. Stress elevates your heart heart, and increases your blood pressure. Studies have shown that sudden emotional stress can trigger heart attacks and arrhythmias. Although this happens mostly in people who already have heart disease, some people don’t know they have a problem until stress causes a heart attack or something worse. To reduce stress plan ahead, by knowing where you will be and what you will be doing. Stay organized by getting what you need prepared and ready ahead of time. Take deep breaths, and remember this is a joyous time of the year!
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Replace Sugars with Agave Nectar
Keep your blood-sugar levels managed this holiday season by reducing your sugar intake, or replacing sugar with agave nectar. According to the American Diabetes Association, “Agave nectar isn’t carbohydrate or calorie free—it has the same amount of calories and carbs as sugar. But since it’s a food with a low glycemic index, the syrup is less likely to raise your blood glucose levels as much as sugar or honey. Plus, it’s sweeter than sugar, so you’ll use less.”
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Protect your Immune System
Avoid getting a cold by doing a few simple things. Drink plenty of water, the recommended daily ammount is 3 liters for men, and 2.2 liters for women, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are traveling this holiday season, be sure to wash your hands, or apply hand sanitizer frequently. It is easy to pick up germs that others may have spread, especially in confined spaces like airplanes.
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Portion Control
The holidays are usually associated with comfort food, and a lot of it. While we all enjoy a good home cooked meal, keep portion control in mind as you fix your plate. 50% of your plate should be non-starchy vegetables. Fill up on foods with nutrients first, then go for the less healthy options.
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Exercise
While staying bundled up on the couch this Christmas sounds nice, try to get up and exercise! Exercise is a key pillar of maintaing good health, and it can prevent illnesses such as deep-vein thrombosis (the formation of blood clots in legs) which is brought on from remaining immobile for long periods of time. Get the family out and exercising, even if it is just going for a short walk.