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Healthy holidays

Use the three steps below to begin your journey to Best Health.

1. Know this
 

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way.

Don’t try to lose weight during the holidays — this may be a self-defeating goal. Instead, strive to maintain your weight by balancing party eating with other meals. Eat small, lower-calorie meals during the day so you can enjoy celebration foods later without overdoing your total calorie intake.


2. Do this
 

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays.

  • Take the edge off your hunger before a party. Feeling hungry can sabotage even the strongest willpower, so eat a small, low-fat snack such as fruit or low-fat cheese before you head out the door.
  • Enjoy physical activity after a holiday feast. Find activities the whole family can do such as walking, biking, roller-blading or hockey, and develop family fun-time habits that can continue after the holiday season.
  • Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Make sure to get proper sleep.



3. Use this
 

Check out the following Best Health offerings to help you stay healthy during the holidays.

  • Online weight/BMI tracker – Calculate and track you body mass index (BMI) to see your progress.
  • Online food log – Use the food log to understand how many calories you are consuming.
  • Online cardio log – Track your minutes and activity to keep up with your fitness goals.

Log in to best health

Source: American Dietetic Association. Health Tips for Holiday Eating, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Holiday Health and Safety Tips. Last Revised 2/27/12.