Keep Your Holidays Healthy

Reviewed Jan 16, 2024

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The winter holidays can be a time of eggnog-sipping, cookie-sampling and—waistline-expanding. Don’t let your holiday traditions cause you to pack on pounds. Follow these simple tips to take care of your health:

Watch your holiday drinks

  • Eggnog contains about 350 calories per 8 oz. serving. 
  • If you can’t pass the season’s special flavors at your favorite coffee shop, choose the smallest size and the nonfat version.
  • Hot cocoa has the ability to be naughty or nice: prepared with water and no “extras,” six ounces can contain fewer than 200 calories. With marshmallows, milk and whipped cream you’re looking at 350 calories or more.
  • Want a festive beverage that can have fewer than 100 calories per cup? Try hot apple cider. Start with unsweetened apple cider and add a touch of honey, cinnamon and allspice before heating it up.

Don’t show up to parties hungry

  • Before hitting that holiday party, have a small snack (i.e. a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts) to control your blood sugar and avoid bingeing on your aunt’s apple pie.
  • Visit the protein table first. Dishes containing chicken, beef or fish will help to satisfy your hunger so you won’t be as tempted to binge at the dessert station.

Drink enough water

It’s easy to gulp down water during the simmer of the summer; however, drinking water during the winter season is just as important—for hydration and to control appetite.

Keep moving

  • Dreary winter weather can make it hard to get up and exercise; however, any movement is better than no movement. Take an extra trip around the shopping mall. Park farther than you normally would and take the stairs rather than the elevator. Every little bit helps.
  • Finding a workout partner keeps exercising fun. Make a pact to drag each other to the gym, no matter what.

Avoid emotional eating

The holidays can be emotional for many of us, especially when we are separated from our loved ones. Do not turn to food for comfort. Call up or visit an old friend and make an effort to talk to people you don’t know.

Are you formulating a plan of action against unwanted calories this holiday season? Looking for some extra support? Try partnering with a health and wellness coach or personal trainer.

By Amanda Gram, MSW, LGSW, Military OneSource; Used with permission

The winter holidays can be a time of eggnog-sipping, cookie-sampling and—waistline-expanding. Don’t let your holiday traditions cause you to pack on pounds. Follow these simple tips to take care of your health:

Watch your holiday drinks

  • Eggnog contains about 350 calories per 8 oz. serving. 
  • If you can’t pass the season’s special flavors at your favorite coffee shop, choose the smallest size and the nonfat version.
  • Hot cocoa has the ability to be naughty or nice: prepared with water and no “extras,” six ounces can contain fewer than 200 calories. With marshmallows, milk and whipped cream you’re looking at 350 calories or more.
  • Want a festive beverage that can have fewer than 100 calories per cup? Try hot apple cider. Start with unsweetened apple cider and add a touch of honey, cinnamon and allspice before heating it up.

Don’t show up to parties hungry

  • Before hitting that holiday party, have a small snack (i.e. a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts) to control your blood sugar and avoid bingeing on your aunt’s apple pie.
  • Visit the protein table first. Dishes containing chicken, beef or fish will help to satisfy your hunger so you won’t be as tempted to binge at the dessert station.

Drink enough water

It’s easy to gulp down water during the simmer of the summer; however, drinking water during the winter season is just as important—for hydration and to control appetite.

Keep moving

  • Dreary winter weather can make it hard to get up and exercise; however, any movement is better than no movement. Take an extra trip around the shopping mall. Park farther than you normally would and take the stairs rather than the elevator. Every little bit helps.
  • Finding a workout partner keeps exercising fun. Make a pact to drag each other to the gym, no matter what.

Avoid emotional eating

The holidays can be emotional for many of us, especially when we are separated from our loved ones. Do not turn to food for comfort. Call up or visit an old friend and make an effort to talk to people you don’t know.

Are you formulating a plan of action against unwanted calories this holiday season? Looking for some extra support? Try partnering with a health and wellness coach or personal trainer.

By Amanda Gram, MSW, LGSW, Military OneSource; Used with permission

The winter holidays can be a time of eggnog-sipping, cookie-sampling and—waistline-expanding. Don’t let your holiday traditions cause you to pack on pounds. Follow these simple tips to take care of your health:

Watch your holiday drinks

  • Eggnog contains about 350 calories per 8 oz. serving. 
  • If you can’t pass the season’s special flavors at your favorite coffee shop, choose the smallest size and the nonfat version.
  • Hot cocoa has the ability to be naughty or nice: prepared with water and no “extras,” six ounces can contain fewer than 200 calories. With marshmallows, milk and whipped cream you’re looking at 350 calories or more.
  • Want a festive beverage that can have fewer than 100 calories per cup? Try hot apple cider. Start with unsweetened apple cider and add a touch of honey, cinnamon and allspice before heating it up.

Don’t show up to parties hungry

  • Before hitting that holiday party, have a small snack (i.e. a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts) to control your blood sugar and avoid bingeing on your aunt’s apple pie.
  • Visit the protein table first. Dishes containing chicken, beef or fish will help to satisfy your hunger so you won’t be as tempted to binge at the dessert station.

Drink enough water

It’s easy to gulp down water during the simmer of the summer; however, drinking water during the winter season is just as important—for hydration and to control appetite.

Keep moving

  • Dreary winter weather can make it hard to get up and exercise; however, any movement is better than no movement. Take an extra trip around the shopping mall. Park farther than you normally would and take the stairs rather than the elevator. Every little bit helps.
  • Finding a workout partner keeps exercising fun. Make a pact to drag each other to the gym, no matter what.

Avoid emotional eating

The holidays can be emotional for many of us, especially when we are separated from our loved ones. Do not turn to food for comfort. Call up or visit an old friend and make an effort to talk to people you don’t know.

Are you formulating a plan of action against unwanted calories this holiday season? Looking for some extra support? Try partnering with a health and wellness coach or personal trainer.

By Amanda Gram, MSW, LGSW, Military OneSource; Used with permission

The information provided on the Achieve Solutions site, including, but not limited to, articles, assessments, and other general information, is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, health care, psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral health care advice. Nothing contained on the Achieve Solutions site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care professional. Please direct questions regarding the operation of the Achieve Solutions site to Web Feedback. If you have concerns about your health, please contact your health care provider.  ©Carelon Behavioral Health

 

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