Do you find it a struggle to stay healthy during the winter holidays?
A New England Journal of Medicine article reported Americans gain an average of 1.3 pounds during the winter months. Why? Staying indoors more! Our days are filled with holiday parties, get-togethers, school functions, shopping, cooking, decorating, gift-wrapping, and tight schedules.
Busy schedules, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and over-indulgence all lead to 6 weeks of weight gain and “holiday blues,” putting our bodies into a state of chronic inflammation.
Tips for staying healthy during the holidays:
- Get at least 30-45 minutes of exercise 4-5 days per week. Walking/running, yoga, exercise class, pickleball, bike riding, swimming – the possibilities are endless.
- Choose healthy, balanced meals that focus on fresh vegetables and lean protein, along with plenty of daily water. Eat like this every day – even during the holidays!
- Keep sweets and alcohol moderate. When you do consume extra, increase your exercise the next day!
- Get enough sleep! Go to bed and get up at the same time. Use mindfulness techniques, shut off your phone/ipad before bed, make the room cool and dark, and meditate on something positive before bed.
- Ward off body pain! Joint pain and chronic inflammation are at its peak during the cooler months. People who suffer from arthritis feel it more during this time. Obviously, this is why many come to SW FL during the winter months. If you are moving less due to pain, see someone about it and get it taken care of. We specialize in this at Caring Medical and we’d love to help you.
- Give! Use this as a time to give to others. Volunteer. Donate money or time. It does the body good!