MSBCOC | Health & Wellness
Healthy Holidays
The holiday
season is in full swing. This means a lot of holiday gatherings with large
amounts of food. During the holiday season we tend to eat and drink a lot more
calories. As you enjoy the holidays, remember to balance the calories you
consume with the calories you burn.
Family, fun…and FOOD! It's what the holidays are all
about, right? But that doesn't mean you have to pack on the holiday pounds.
Balance the calories you consume with the calories you burn, and avoid any
holiday weight gain.
Take the Extra Calories Out of Cooking!
- If you're heading out to a party - holiday, birthday or any sort - eat a
light, healthy snack before you go. Broth-based soups, cereal with skim
milk, or just plain fruit are all good options! This will help curb your
hunger and decrease your visits to the buffet table.
- Modify recipes to reduce the amount of fat and calories. For example,
when making lasagna, use part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole-milk
ricotta cheese. Substitute shredded vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini,
and spinach for some of the ground meat in lasagna.
- Bring a low-fat, holiday dish to the party. Need some suggestions? Visit
CDC's Healthy Recipes for details.
- When eating or snacking in front of the TV, put the amount that you plan
to eat into a bowl or container instead of eating straight from the package.
It's easy to overeat when your attention is focused on something else.
- You've tried the leftover turkey sandwich, right? Now try the leftover
turkey salad! Add a few pieces of turkey to a generous portion of mixed
greens, tomatoes, raw broccoli, carrots, or any of your favorite vegetables.
Toss with a light salad dressing and some dried cranberries for an authentic
holiday taste.
Rethink Your Drink!
- Choose water, diet, or low-calorie beverages instead of sugar-sweetened
beverages.
- For a quick, easy, and inexpensive thirst-quencher, carry a water bottle
and refill it throughout the day.
- Limit your alcoholic beverage intake. Alcoholic drinks can have many
calories, especially holiday favorites like eggnog. Try to drink water or
low calorie beverages instead.
Get Active, Healthy, and Happy!
- Make a goal with a friend to achieve the new Physical Activity Guidelines!
Visit CDC's Physical Activity for Everyone for details.
- Regular physical helps with weight control, reduces the risk for many
diseases, and strengthens muscles, bones and joints.
- Sign up for a 5K walk or run to keep your mind focused on physical
activity goals. Maintain your physical activity during the holidays - better
yet, try and get more active!
- Find fun, creative ways your friends and family can spend time being
active instead of eating.
Copyright © Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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