How To Have A Happier And Healthier Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of guilty pleasures.� However over indulgence can ruin your holidays by making you susceptible to disease, causing or exacerbating health issues and damaging your mental health.� For many it�s far from the most wonderful time of the year.� Here are some tips on how you can be healthier and happier this holiday season!

1. Exercise regularly.� Regular exercise will keep your metabolism going and also has been proven to lower your appetite.
2. Don�t use food or drink as motivation for exercise.� Getting a workout in so you can eat or drink more is one of the worst things you can do.� Exercise should be part of your normal routine and not used as a reason to overindulge.
3. Keep regular eating habits.�Skipping a meal so you eat and drink more a holiday event will only lead to overindulging.� Keep your regular eating habits and consider having a filling snack before your event.� Focus on foods high in protein, or healthy fats or carbohydrates such as fruit, protein shakes or a small handful of nuts that will help curb your appetite and prevent overeating.
4. Make a Rainbow.�When making a plate, focus on adding items of various colors which will help ensure you include healthy, nutritious food items.
5. Eat until you 80% full.�This concept was originally developed in Japan and is an easy way to reduce calories and avoid that gross feeling of being overstuffed.
6. Choose drinks wisely.�Avoid drinks high in sugar and they are often higher in calories than the alcohol.� Focus on low calorie mixers (get seltzer not tonic), use fruit for flavor and if you feel the need for flavor ask for a �splash�.�A way to ensure moderation is always have a glass of water between drinks.
7. Take a walk after dinner. Studies show that talking a walk after meals can significantly lower blood sugar levels, help with digestion and even elevate your mood.