The holidays are a busy time of year often filled with many indulgences. While it is important to enjoy this time of year, there are a few ways you can keep your health a top priority and still enjoy the festive season.
Be mindful of portion size
Looking for ways to avoid eating too much? Size does matter! People who are offered food and beverages in larger quantities tend to consume more than if they are served smaller amounts. Ordering smaller portions and having foods served on small plates can help prevent overindulging. Whether you are eating out at a restaurant, or attending a holiday event at someone’s home, consider asking for a smaller plate to keep your portions reasonable.
Limit alcohol intake:
Consider limiting your alcohol intake to one drink for women and no more than two for men. While alcohol is one of life’s pleasures for many people, too much of a good thing can have negative consequences. Need a little motivation to help you? The association between alcohol and serious diseases, including cancer, may be motivation to “cut yourself off” and enjoy a healthier life in the long run.
Make time for exercise
The holidays can be a busy time of year, which may make it more difficult to squeeze in regularly planned exercise. If you feel pressed for time, high intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, may be a great alternative. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise interspersed with longer periods of slower activity as recovery time. HIIT is an effective way of burning calories and may also help to decrease risk factors for chronic disease.
Get a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep goes a long way towards helping you feel your best. While the optimal amount of sleep required varies from person to person, sleep is important to achieving optimal health.
