The Holidays are regarded to be one of the most important times throughout the year. This is the time for celebration, getting together with family and enjoy the holiday festivities. Many see this as a time to enjoy and consume whatever we like and feel exempted to the health requirements and limitations our physicians and dietitians provided for us. So, how can we stay healthy and enjoy the holidays at the same time?
It is very important to sit back and relax while enjoying the feast served at the dinner table. Sometimes, we get immersed in the moment and eat so much that we miss the signal and cues our body is telling us that it is full. Thus, we must eat in moderation. It is advisable to take 10-minute breaks to listen and feel your body before continuing eating. Another important note to remember is to remain hydrated. Make sure to maintain the right amount of balance between food and water. If you are taking alcoholic beverages, make sure to drink water in between glasses of your cocktails.
Another is that there is no reason we cannot enjoy a full meal but there is another way to enjoy them while staying conscious on the calorie or sugar intake and that is substituting. Choose broth-based soup instead of making heavy, creamed soups. Also make sure you put in a balance diet or protein, vegetable, and fruit to achieve that healthy celebration.
It doesn’t end there, we also must let go of our excess calories and burn these down, a walk or a jog is necessary. We need to make sure we have equal input and output. Staying more active towards, during and after the holidays helps your body adapt to the holiday’s festivities and celebration.
The last but not the least, get enough sleep. Eight hours of sleep will tremendously help you to achieve that healthy holiday. We usually forget to take enough rest because of the catching up we do with our loved ones but always remember you need to rest to function well the next day.
There are numerous ways to stay and make your holidays healthier, but it is up to you whether you choose it or not. Changing your mindset is crucial and very important to maintain that healthy holiday events and come out successful after. Always remember that your health does not exempt you during holidays. Be disciplined and you will stay healthy during and after the holidays. // ND II Jocefel Callet, RND
