Well, the holidays have started and so have the cookies and pies! We may even be baking more this holiday as a fun family activity. Let’s enjoy this holiday season for the joyous time that it really is, while also enjoying some delicious food and family time. But don’t forget some of our best tips for staying healthy during the cold weather holidays.
First of all, have some cookies and a slice of pie! Why would we deprive ourselves of some of the most delicious items that we don’t usually eat the rest of the year? Just have one serving and then move on.
Second, remember these tips and tricks while choosing what to eat:
- Eat more veggies and fruits
- Choose leaner cuts of meat
- Start the meal with salad or fruit
Third, remember our strategies to optimize our immune system:
- 20 minutes of exercise mobilizes billions of immune cells
- Get your vitamin D either by 20 minutes of maximum sun exposure or supplementing with a quality vitamin D/Vitamin K2 supplement
- Get good sleep, even adding a 20 minute power nap mid-afternoon
- Be thankful and grateful, its great for our overall well-being
- Pray and meditate to reduce our stress level and enhance our immune system
Fourth, limit alcoholic beverages to occasional consumption for several reasons:
- Alcohol can add calories very quickly without us even realizing it (choose light beer or dry wines; mix wine or mixed drinks with half sparkling water to reduce alcohol content and calories).
- Alcohol can also negatively affect our immune system if drinking more than occasionally by impairing our immune response
Celebrate, rejoice and enjoy this most blessed time of year. Have a safe, joyous and peaceful holiday season.
