7 Strategies for Keeping Healthy This Season
Posted on December 1, 2009
Welcome to December! Are you already in high gear for holiday cheer? 'Tis the season for holiday parties, baking and indulging in luscious treats. While the average person consumes an extra 600 calories a day between Thanksgiving and New Years and gains 6 pounds -- you don't have to over-do-it. Don't start 2010 in a deficit. Here are some ways to enjoy the holidays and hold on to your health.
1. 50% off! Downsize your portions by half, including drinks. Fully enjoy your meals, but say no to mindless grazing and family style serving by fixing a plate for each meal with pre-determined quantities of what you want to eat. And watch how many alcoholic drinks you tip back. Remember, the average glass of wine is 110-120 calories; one cocktail, 200 calories; and a glass of regular beer, 150 calories.
2. Never leave home hungry. A lot of people restrict what they eat during the day and then overindulge when they hit the party. My pre-party favorite is a Shaklee Cinch Shake. Two scoops mixed with water delivers 16 grams of protein and fills you up enough to help you make good eating decisions when you're about to face the gourmet buffet.
3. Skip mundane foods. Forgo the foods you eat all year. This is a special time to savor and enjoy the tastes and aromas of the season.
4. Eat dinner early. Ayurvedic expert Dr. John Douillard recommends eating the bulk of your calories mid-day and enjoying a light dinner by 6 pm. It gives your body enough time during the evening to digest and for the liver to detoxify.
5. Breathe. A few minutes of calm, deep inhales and exhales can make all the difference in your day. If you're under stress or tension from the holiday bustle, more than likely your breathing is shallow. Deep breathing makes the respiratory system more efficient and activates calming nerve receptors. Bonus: the body burns fat when it is calm, and sugar when it is stressed.
6. Move your body for just 15 minutes every day. One of the first things that goes right out the window in December is exercise. You don't need to spend hours at the gym, just ten to 15 minutes will reap good benefits. Take a quick brisk walk or take the stairs.
7. Boost your immunity by simply contemplating generosity. A recent study showed that when participants watched a film about Mother Teresa, the number of antibodies in their saliva surged; when the students were asked to focus on times when they'd been loved by or loving to others, their antibody levels stayed elevated for an hour. Think good thoughts and fight off the flu!
1. 50% off! Downsize your portions by half, including drinks. Fully enjoy your meals, but say no to mindless grazing and family style serving by fixing a plate for each meal with pre-determined quantities of what you want to eat. And watch how many alcoholic drinks you tip back. Remember, the average glass of wine is 110-120 calories; one cocktail, 200 calories; and a glass of regular beer, 150 calories.
2. Never leave home hungry. A lot of people restrict what they eat during the day and then overindulge when they hit the party. My pre-party favorite is a Shaklee Cinch Shake. Two scoops mixed with water delivers 16 grams of protein and fills you up enough to help you make good eating decisions when you're about to face the gourmet buffet.
3. Skip mundane foods. Forgo the foods you eat all year. This is a special time to savor and enjoy the tastes and aromas of the season.
4. Eat dinner early. Ayurvedic expert Dr. John Douillard recommends eating the bulk of your calories mid-day and enjoying a light dinner by 6 pm. It gives your body enough time during the evening to digest and for the liver to detoxify.
5. Breathe. A few minutes of calm, deep inhales and exhales can make all the difference in your day. If you're under stress or tension from the holiday bustle, more than likely your breathing is shallow. Deep breathing makes the respiratory system more efficient and activates calming nerve receptors. Bonus: the body burns fat when it is calm, and sugar when it is stressed.
6. Move your body for just 15 minutes every day. One of the first things that goes right out the window in December is exercise. You don't need to spend hours at the gym, just ten to 15 minutes will reap good benefits. Take a quick brisk walk or take the stairs.
7. Boost your immunity by simply contemplating generosity. A recent study showed that when participants watched a film about Mother Teresa, the number of antibodies in their saliva surged; when the students were asked to focus on times when they'd been loved by or loving to others, their antibody levels stayed elevated for an hour. Think good thoughts and fight off the flu!
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.You have done a marvellous job!