Many Americans put on weight over the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. This is also a time when people are more likely to come down with a cold or the flu or to suffer from a hangover from all the holiday parties. The following are some tips to help you stay healthier during the holidays.

Don’t Overeat

Try to steer clear of holiday goodies and high-calorie foods as much as possible. A simple strategy is to keep food out of sight and out of reach. When you eat, moderate your food intake and recognize when you’ve had enough. Eat slowly, as the brain takes approximately 20 minutes to let you know you are full. Go easy on appetizers, desserts, meats, and cream sauces, and leave room for healthier selections, such as vegetables. Don’t force yourself to eat everything on the menu; stick to the foods you most enjoy.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Water is your friend during the holiday season and all year long. Avoid sugary drinks, such as eggnog, which greatly increase your caloric intake but do not leave you feeling full. Instead, drink water or unsweetened iced tea.

Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

There will likely be many occasions to raise a glass with family, friends, or co-workers over the holidays. However, keep it in mind that alcohol is empty calories and drinking in excess can cause adverse effects to the entire body, not the least of which is the hangover you suffer the next day. Women should not exceed two glasses of alcohol per day, and men should not exceed three. If you decide to indulge in a few drinks, your best choices are vodka tonics or wine.

Make Room For Dessert

During the holidays, it can be nearly impossible to turn down dessert with all the tempting choices available. If you decide to have dessert, reduce your portions of starches, such as bread or mashed potatoes, in order to leave room for a piece of pie or a slice of cake.

Stay Active – Plan Physical Activities Around Your Meals

You are less likely to overeat during a holiday meal if you have planned to walk or engage in some type of physical activity afterwards. Try to keep moving as much as possible. If time is scarce, schedule in higher-intensity exercises that burns calories quicker.

Lose The “All Or Nothing” Mindset

All things in moderation during the holiday season. If you are aware of your choices, you can avoid feeling too restricted and, at the same time, not indulge in anything that is not worth it. If you have one slice of pecan pie, it is not the same thing as having three.

Make Sure You Have The Health Insurance Coverage You Need

Annual exams and regular doctor visits are an important part of staying healthy. If you come down with the flu, prompt medical attention could make all the difference to a quick recovery. Our friendly agent can help ensure you have the right coverage to get the care you need with the lowest available premiums.