Take Charge Tips
Make it a Happy, Healthy Holiday

Introduction

What is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about the holidays?  If you’re like most people, it’s the food/eating!!  Eating is an important part of the holiday season.  It holds sentimental value as a long-time tradition.  A problem is that most of the food we eat during the holidays high in fat and calories and not much else.

Many people gain a few pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  That is no surprise when you consider how much eggnog, pecan pie, buttered rolls, gravy, and creamed vegetables  we eat during this time. 

Making you hungry?  Well, today I am going to talk about how to take charge and have a Happy, Healthy Holiday.

Eat Healthy - Keep From Overeating at a Holiday Party

The first thing to remember is that it’s not necessary to avoid holiday festivities completely to maintain your weight.  Also, the holidays are not a good time to start a weight loss program.  There are just too many temptations.  Instead, try to maintain your weight.

Plan ahead before going to parties or dinners.  Eat a healthy snack before you leave, such as lowfat yogurt, veggies and lowfat dip, or a large piece of fruit.  This may help curb your appetite and help keep you from overeating high calorie foods. 

Offer to bring food when invited to a party or dinner.  If you bring a healthy dish, you’ll be sure to have at least one healthy food choice.

Enjoy Holiday Meals Without Feeling Guilty

1. Buy only those foods you intend to eat.  Don’t stock up on holiday treats days or weeks before the holiday and fool yourself into thinking you can avoid the temptation.
2. Give yourself permission to have festive foods on the specific holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s).  However, it is important to avoid making everyday between Thanksgiving and New Year’s a holiday feast.
3. Eat, but don’t overeat.  It’s hard to expect you to cut out all the fattening holiday foods, so don’t try to.
4. Don't try to lose weight during the holidays.  Instead, try to not gain weight by balancing party eating with other meals.  Enjoy your favorite holiday meals and eat smaller, lower-calorie meals throughout the rest of the day.  Watch the portion sizes and try to eat smaller portions of higher fat and calorie foods.
5. Eat slowly and savor the flavor of each bite.  Eating slower gives your body time to react to being full, and you are less likely to overeat.  Stop eating when you are full.
6. Eat only when you are hungry.  Remember, there is a lot more to a holiday than just eating.   It is a time of joy, family, fellowship, thanksgiving, celebration and love.  Enjoy spending time with your family and friends.  It doesn’t have to be sitting around the dinner table.
7. Share the holiday spirit – and your food.  Save calories and double your pleasure by sharing holiday treats with a friend.
8. Eat a small snack before going to a holiday party or dinner.  Going to parties/dinners on an empty stomach may cause you to go overboard once you see the holiday food.  Take a look at all the food offered before you fill your plate.  Choose only foods you really want and keep portions reasonable.  Often a small taste satisfies a craving. 

 

Be Active - Exercise Can Help

Perhaps one of the most important tips to remember is to exercise or stay active during the holidays.  This is the best way to manage stress, handle the “Holiday Blues,” and burn extra calories.  Plan family outings like bowling or walking the aisles at the mall.  Go for a walk after your holiday meal -- it will go a long way in helping burn those extra calories.

 

Get Checked - Checking Holiday Toys

Do you remember the year you were given your favorite toy? What was it? Did it make you jump for joy? Did you think life could ever be any better?

Toys are exciting! And this time of year children will be gifted with a myriad of toys, gadgets and gizmos. If there are special children in your life, you may be concerned about the safety of the toys you are giving them. How can you check to see if they are safe and appropriate for those little people?

The following resources can help:

Choosing Safe Toys
ToyInfo.org
ToySafety.org

 

Be Smoke Free -Take charge! Be Smoke Free!

If you have smoked most of your life, you may feel that quitting won't make any difference now that you are older. The truth is, it does matter.  Seniors who quit smoking tend to enjoy better health and quality of life than their peers who continue to smoke.

Smoking Cessation for Older Adults: It's Not too Late!
Holiday Stress and Smoking

 

Be Positive - Focus on Family and Friends

Most of all enjoy the holiday season.  Shift the focus from food to your family and friends.  There’s no need to leave out all the holiday foods you love, just know when to push away from the table.  Some of the suggestions we've made may seem like small cuts in calories, but it could make a big difference throughout the entire holiday season. Have a wonderful holiday season!