Winter Holiday Health is Important: Try These Novel Winter-Themed Ideas

Winter Holiday Health is Important: Try These Novel Winter-Themed Ideas

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and indulgence. While it’s perfectly normal to want to indulge during the holiday season, it’s also important to be aware of the potential for holiday weight gain, a lowered immunity leaving us more prone to winter colds and flus, and lower levels of energy. Lack of exercise (it’s cold, after all), and overeating and consuming too much sugar, are two major contributors to holiday weight gain, weak immune systems, and holiday fatigue. In this article on winter holiday health, we’ll explore some tips on how to avoid overeating and excessive sugar intake, while also boosting your winter holiday health exercise routine, during these coming cold months.

How to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays

winter holiday healthThe holidays are a time when many of us overindulge. Whether it’s at a holiday party or dinner, it’s easy to eat more than we realize. Here are some tips on how to avoid overeating during the holidays:

1. Pace Yourself

When you’re at a holiday party or dinner, take your time eating. Savor each bite and make sure you’re really enjoying the food before you go for seconds.

2. Fill Up on Protein

Protein helps you feel fuller longer, so make sure you have some protein-rich foods on your plate before you start indulging in sweets. Turkey, ham, and beef are all good options.

2. Don’t Go Hungry

If you arrive at a holiday party or dinner feeling famished, you’re more likely to overeat. Make sure you have a little something to eat before you go so that you don’t end up overeating.

4. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you more likely to overeat. If you do drink alcohol, try to stick with one glass and alternate with water.

5. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to your hunger cues and stop eating when you’re no longer hungry. It may be difficult to resist seconds or dessert, but if you listen to your body, you won’t end up overeating.

How to Reduce Your Sugar Intake During the Holidays

In addition to overeating, consuming too much sugar is another common contributor to holiday weight gain. Here are some tips on how to reduce your sugar intake during the holidays:

1. Read the Labels

When buying packaged foods, be sure to read the label for sugar content. Many processed foods contain hidden sugars that can quickly add up.

2. Make Your Own Sweets

If possible, try making your own sweets using natural sweeteners like xylitol, honey or agave nectar instead of white sugar. This way, you can control how much sugar goes into your treats.

3. Choose Fruit Over Candy

When tempting sweets are around, choose your winter holiday health. Opt for something healthier like fruit instead of candy or cake. Fruit will satisfy your sweet tooth without all of the extra sugar.

4. Limit Sugary Drinks

Be mindful of sugary drinks like eggnog, hot chocolate, and apple cider as they can quickly add up in terms of sugar content. Stick with water or unsweetened coffee, tea and herbal teas whenever possible.

5. Don’t Go Overboard

It’s okay to indulge in your favorite holiday treat every now and then, but try not to do it every day. Enjoying a treat in moderation is completely normal and won’t sabotage your health goals.

6. Don’t Forget Immune Supplements

Sugar, according to researchers, puts your immune system’s cells into a “temporary coma.” That, plus lack of exercise (we’ll deal with that next in this article), can leave you more susceptible to numerous diseases and illnesses. During the coming months, prioritize winter holiday health by taking your immune-boosting supplements regularly. These include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and BioPro-Plus 500.

If you’re looking to learn how to boost your immune system, BioPro-Plus 500 is the answer! BioPro-Plus 500 is the 100% natural immune system supplement, which has no known side-effects or contraindications. This drug-free supplement is not a medication, but an aid to restore your body’s own natural immune response.

How to Boost Your Cold-Weather Exercise to Improve Winter Holiday Health

1. Schedule some “me” time. Dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to exercising, even if it’s just going for a brisk walk around the block. This will help you make time for yourself amid all the holiday hustle and bustle. Plus, the fresh air will do you good!

2. Find a workout buddy. It’s always more fun to exercise with someone else, so ask a friend or family member to join you for a walk or workout session. This will help you stay motivated, and you’ll be able to catch up on all the latest news while you’re getting your heart rate up.

3. Make it a family affair. Involve the kids in your workout routine by challenging them to a game of tag or playing catch in the backyard. Not only will they get some exercise, but they’ll also burn off all that extra holiday energy! And who knows, you might just have some fun yourself in the process.

4. Get creative with your workouts. There are lots of ways to stay active indoors when it’s cold outside. Don’t let the weather stop you from working up a sweat! Try out some new exercises, such as yoga or indoor rock climbing. Or find a dance class to help get your heart pumping while also learning something new. Specific examples include:

  • Shoveling snow or building snow art, such as a snowman, or having a snowball fight
  • Going for a jog or a walk to look at Christmas lights in your town
  • Doing calming yoga after a hectic day of Christmas shopping or grocery store-hopping for your upcoming Christmas dinner
  • Snow sports, like snowshoeing or sledding

5. Reward yourself! Remember that any amount of exercise is better than none at all, so give yourself a pat on the back for making an effort to stay fit during the holidays. Then treating yourself to a healthy snack or some new workout gear will help motivate you even more to keep up the good work in the New Year!

The holidays are a time to enjoy delicious food and spend quality time with loved ones. However, it’s important not to let our healthy habits slide during this festive season. Exercise and monitoring our diet is a great way to stay fit and reduce stress levels during the winter months. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a happy holiday season and optimal winter holiday health!

References:

  • https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-sugar-really-suppress-the-immune-system/
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