Jessika Vandivier
The Paw Print
Happy Holidays readers! We are rounding the corner to the commencement of our winter break, and Christmas is raging in right behind it. This is the time of the year where family and friends gather together and enjoy the company of those they love. It is the season to be jolly and holly! However, despite our efforts, it is also the season to consume massive amounts of sweets and treats.
In the United States, it is tradition to host and/or attend Christmas and News Year’s celebrations with relatives and different assortments of friends and guests. Unfortunately, ham, turkey, casserole, cookies, fudge, candy, and pie are also invited to the party.
We all face great temptation over the next several weeks to gorge ourselves on a plethora of great food. This week’s Health To-Go article is bringing you a few suggestions to help stay a little healthier this holiday season, while getting to spoil yourself at the same time.
One tip to stop you from over eating at Christmas parties and dinners is to eat a little something before attending the function. Grab a granola bar or half of a sandwich for the car ride there and you will not feel completely starving when the food tray comes around.
Another holiday eating trick is to make the treats you eat count. When grabbing for a cookie, make sure to grab only your favorite Christmas pleasure. Make sure that won’t be in-stores or available to you at all after the season is over. There is no point consuming extra calories that you could eat on any other day of the year.
The third tip for this season is to not drink your calories. There is already enough good food to eat, why would you want to make yourself full on hot coco, pop, and juice? Those sugary drinks will only make you bloated. Remember that water is your friend. With all of the delicious cuisine around you, your body is going to need some extra hydration.
Because food is around every corner you turn, get the family outside for some outdoor activities. The weather has been especially nice this winter, which gives everyone a great opportunity to get out of the house and away from the fridge. On a nice day, go on a walk with some friends and family. If it ever snows, go build a snowman, have a snowball fight, hit the slopes, and fill up on the crisp winter air.
Last, but certainly not least, is probably the hardest suggestion to follow; take it easy on the booze! It is easily understandable that with the holidays, comes a little stress caused by travel, family gatherings, and visits from the in-laws. No one blames you for wanting to indulge in the assortment of champing, wine, and beer at gatherings. However, remember to keep it classy and don’t forget alcohol has a high calorie content. You may be craving some of mom’s special egg nog, but don’t forget you just had six of her cookies.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Your challenge this week ASU is to stay happy, healthy, and safe while you travel and spend time with loved ones over break. Don’t forget to share these tips with your family and friends. Together we can all fight the Christmas bulge!
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