He’s a mean one, alright. If the Grinch has stolen your healthy holiday, try these five simple holiday tips to keep your holiday happiness and your heart (and family) healthy:
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Go in with a plan. For example, make a pact with yourself during the holidays: “During the holidays, I will get at least 30 minutes of activity per day, I’ll have a reasonably healthy breakfast and lunch and limit the sweets. And I’ll leave my meds out on the dresser so I won’t leave the house without having taken them.” Then return to your usual heart-healthy routine (if you have one) once the holidays are over.
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Beware of party perils. Special holiday events often serve up extra helpings of high-fat foods. Too many sugary or salty treats can be a concern for those with high blood pressure or hypertension, secondhand smoke is a concern for everyone and events that run late into the night mean that you won’t be too enthusiastic about exercising. If you’re a guest, plan on eating a healthy snack before you go and consciously choose to eat less at the event. If you’re the host, or taking a dish to the party, challenge yourself to whip up a delicious and heart-healthy menu item(s). Your guests/friends will probably thank you for the healthy option.
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Stay active — even in the hustle and bustle of the season. Sprinkle in some healthy behaviors with your daily activities. For example, here in Phoenix since the weather isn’t too frightful – in fact it’s beautiful – park your car a little further away. If dinner is going to be a feast, opt for a light lunch, then take a vigorous walk or a hike. And pick up the pace on family activities. When the kids are home from school, squeeze in some active chores and trips to the park.
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But not too active. Give yourself the gift of peace. When the invitations pile up, if you can’t say no, it’s not fun — cardiovascular-ly, cognitively or socially. Hold your own schedule and don’t overbook yourself. Also, find some time to relax with yoga or a good book…..a little “you” time.
- Lay out a plan for January, February and beyond. Your poinsettia’s pooped and the eggnog’s gone. Now what? It’s great that you want to start doing healthy things — like exercising 30 minutes a day or making an appointment to get your blood pressure checked — but don’t go dashing through your to-do list too fast or you might not stick to your plan. Lay out realistic steps for the months ahead. For example, instead of joining a gym, you might want to start a vigorous walking program first. It’s free, and it’s a great way to fit in more physical activity.
