Holiday Health Tips

We are now beginning holiday celebrations that will continue through the New Year. Holiday dinners and parties often feature foods and beverages high in fat, cholesterol, and calories. But enjoying the season doesn’t have to mean a break from healthy habits. This year, start the holidays with a promise to yourself to enjoy a healthy and wise holiday season.

Consider the main course of traditional dinners—turkey. There are only 163 calories in a three ounce serving of white meat without the skin, and the turkey is low in saturated fats. Don’t spoil this holiday entrée with too many fixings. Approach the dressing with discretion, and enjoy plenty of salad and vegetables. If you are baking a pumpkin pie, substitute skim milk for the regular evaporated milk and use three egg whites instead of two whole eggs.

Parties can be downfalls to weight control programs during the holidays. Whether it’s an office get-together, a neighborhood open house, or a family reunion, the refreshments tend to consist of high calorie snacks and alcoholic beverages.

As for the alcoholic beverages, don’t use the holiday season as an excuse to overdo. Not only is alcohol high in calories, it can present an even more serious and immediate risk when you mix your drinking with your driving. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don’t drive if you have been drinking.

Don’t let the holidays become an excuse to let your exercise program fall by the wayside. Include exercise with your socializing. Schedule a date with friends for a walk or run. Go ice skating with the family. Enjoy sledding or skiing.

Get your regular amount of sleep, and don’t try to rely on sleeping pills. They can diminish the quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling tired in the morning. A better idea is to have a glass of warm milk which contains the sleep-inducer tryptophan, right before bed.

If you develop a new health problem, don’t put off seeing a doctor until after the New Year. At the least, you’ll almost certainly worry about what’s wrong, and anxiety is a bit of a drain on energy. Depending on what the cause is, you could also be taking a significant health risk.

Your friends at LifePlan wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. The EAP staff at LifePlan is available throughout the holidays for confidential, professional help. Just call your employee assistance consultant at LifePlan – (260) 432-3327 or 1-800-677-4477.