The holiday season is upon us with food, fun and festivities set to satisfy our appetites and fill our hearts with joy. But for some, the holidays could lead to unhealthy temptations and a sour spirit. With a few simple practices, experts say, you can remain happy and healthy this holiday season.
“Watch what you eat,” says Christina Lombardi, M.S., R.D., F.M.N.S., owner of Functional Nutrition Rx in Babylon. Remember nutrition basics and be consistent. She advises “proper hydration, balanced meals with each macronutrient—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—and consuming four cups of veggies daily.”
No need to pass on your favorite treats! “If you feel as though you overdid it at a meal, embrace it, move on, and get back on track the next day,” Lombardi says.
Exercise to keep your body and your mind in shape. “A structured fitness plan sets you up for success and it can be as simple as planning your workouts for the week ahead on the weekend,” advises Peter Lombardi, holistic health practitioner and owner of Elevation Fitness in Babylon. For motivation, exercise with a friend or join a regularly scheduled gym class. “Aim to walk daily, at least 30 minutes per day,” he says.
By being thankful, you can lift your own spirits and enhance your health, too. “Being grateful isn’t just something we do to show appreciation for others, it’s a form of self-care and an important way to stay healthy this season,” says Lorraine Miller, health coach, author, and creator of the From Gratitude To Bliss App. “When our hearts are filled with gratitude, we are less likely to overeat and more likely to prioritize things that support health, like sleep, exercise, and staying hydrated.” Miller suggests keeping a journal or taking a gratitude walk with your family, expressing thanks for everything beautiful in the world.
Prioritize and keep things simple, says Sharon Kiernan, Long Island mother of nine. “The most important thing for families to remember is the reason you celebrate your holidays in the first place.” Sometimes it takes work, she adds, “but we are not promised anything in life, and we are blessed to have this very moment and day.”
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