Holidays are great time for us to get-together and create great memories with family, relatives, and friends and enjoy a good meal together. However, with a large variety of foods to be served during the holidays, good meals may not be healthy meals. So, the goal for the holiday season is to eat smart and stay healthy.

            Here are some tips in order to remain mentally and physically healthy thru out the holiday season:

1. Make fruits and vegetables part of your holiday plate. Fruit by itself makes an excellent dessert- 33 percent of the plate is recommended for fruits and vegetables. It’s important get a dose of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Enjoy brightly colored whole vegetables and fruits whether fresh or frozen, raw, roasted or sautéed.

2. Avoid beverages that are high in calories and sugar- High calorie and sugar beverages include carbonated and sweetened beverages. Remember to drink to your health, water is still the best choice for quenching your thirst.

3. Stay hydrated- It’s been said that when one feels hungry, one might actually be thirsty. Before filling your plate with food, drink some water first. You’ll feel fuller and you’ll be hydrated, making you less likely to eat more food.  If your skin is dry, it’s a sign that you need to dink more water. Also, eating fruits and vegetables also help you stay hydrated for most fruits and vegetables have a very high-water content. Don’t forget to drink atleast eight (8) glasses of water daily.

4. Move more. Instead of focusing on food, spend time with family, friends and activities- Have a walk and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Play outdoor games with family, friends and relatives or engage them in indoor games to take off focus and have rest from food. To stay healthy during the holiday season, aim for 30-60 minutes physical activity. 

5. Ensure food safety. Make sure that your food and drinks are clean and safe for consumption- cooking food thoroughly and storing food properly can ensure foods served during the holiday is safe.  Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold and refrigerate and freeze perishable foods (meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, cut fruit, cooked rice and other leftovers).

6. Limit alcohol consumption- The holiday season is not an excuse for excessive alcohol consumption. Cut it down to reduce your risk of developing liver or heart diseases.

7. At night, sleep tight. Sleep is important for good health and well-being- It may be difficult to maintain healthy sleep during holidays but it’s not impossible. Stick to your routine. Respect yourself and your body to prioritize sleep. In this way, you will be at your best, have enough energy and enjoy the holiday season.

8. Do something for others. Give a little back and do something to brighten someone else’s day- Planting a tree, volunteering and supporting community cause, supporting local businesses, generous tipping, helping a neighbor and donating unused items are some ways of giving back this holiday season, after all, this is the true spirit of the season, giving.

Do not disregard healthy eating habits this holiday season! 

Bella Basalong, RNPC