Healthy Holiday Tips

BY: Tara DelloIacono Thies

The holiday season is often a time when healthy lifestyles go out the window. Following are my 10 Tips for Holiday Health:

1. Savor the moment! Rediscover the tastes, flavors, aromas and enjoyment of holiday eating. Slow the pace down and let yourself savor the moment of being surrounded by great friends and scrumptious food. You’ll be surprised how quickly you become full.
2. Spice up your life! Variety! If you’re eating a varied diet with foods of all types, you should have no problem getting the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal body function. No matter how you look at it, creating a healthy balance in your meal plan can lead to immediate benefits and increase your long-term quality of life. Try a nutritional snack such as a LUNA bar, which is a convenient alternative to gingerbread cookies that still satisfies and curbs hunger between meals, helping to prevent those high calorie holiday snack cravings. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a healthy alternative to the traditional cookie; a few yummy LUNA bar flavors include Caramel Nut Brownie, Peanut Butter Cookie, Cookies ‘n Cream Delight and Iced Oatmeal Raisin.
3. Get movin’! Regular exercise may be hard during the holidays, but you’ll be surprised how some of your favorite activities can burn calories. Decorating the Christmas tree can burn approximately 100 calories, while a shopping trip at the mall can burn over 300 calories.
4. Moderation, not deprivation! Eating small servings of all foods will prevent feelings of food deprivation. It’s okay to say “Yes!” to that piece of pumpkin pie! Just not everyday and not 2-3 pieces at once, of course. Find balance and peace by giving yourself permission to have small servings of those decadent treats and you won’t feel guilty.
5. Munch a bunch! Eating 2 cups of fruits and 2.5 cups of vegetables a day may seem challenging, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give your body! Dive into some of the seasonal fruit such as pomegranates, kumquats or butternut squash to help spice up the variety in your diet. If you’re on-the-go this season, shopping for your loved ones, be sure to throw a LUNA bar into your tote when heading to the mall to shop for a healthy snack that includes all the nutrients in a daily vitamin.
6. Drink! Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. The body is mostly made up of water and needs fluid to move nutrients around, cushion joints, and feel good! Try to drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily. This is especially important during the winter months when your skin can easily dry out.
7. Plan ahead! Knowing what you are going to eat in advance helps guide your food choices throughout the day and may actually give you the will power to say no to some of those holiday treats. Attending a holiday party tonight? Go lighter at lunch and eat an apple on the way to keep hunger at bay.
8. Be natural. Read the labels to some of your favorite packaged food; you may be surprised what you find. If you’re looking for on-the-go snacks in between your trips to the mall, choose a healthy alternative such as a nutrition bar. LUNA bar is packed with all-natural ingredients and does not contain trans fats or use genetically modified ingredients.
9. Make a commitment. While you’re feasting on your holiday meal, it’s also important to not lose track of your goals for the New Year. Make a New Year’s resolution to join a weekly activity—perhaps a cycling, running or triathlon group such as Team LUNA Chix, where local women join together to promote breast cancer awareness while inspiring each other and building friendships. Check out www.teamlunachix.com for details about Team LUNA Chix clubs in your area.
10. Have fun! Always make time for yourself and savor the holiday memories. A happy heart is the basis for a healthy lifestyle.