Happy and Healthy Holidays with the Family
This post was contributed by Megan Moret, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student who is working with us here at Parker Place as part of her final capstone project through the fall of 2021. Check back for Megan’s weekly articles on all aspects of healthy living!
The holidays are near, which means we will soon be surrounded by delicious seasonal treats such as pumpkin pie, candy canes, peppermint bark, and gingerbread cookies. And would it truly be the holiday season without indulging in some of these decadent sweets?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not mean we need to miss out on all of our favorite holiday traditions. A healthy lifestyle is built on maintaining overall balance, which allows the flexibility of enjoying your family’s secret sugar cookie recipe as you have for several years in the past. So, after you enjoy these holiday traditions, keep up with your current health and wellness routine to ensure you are truly feeling balanced in your lifestyle.
If you are craving a healthy change this holiday, maybe it is time to explore some new traditions that align with your health goals. Check out these tips below to discover different holiday activities to keep you on the right track with your health through 2022:
Taking a walk with others to enjoy neighborhood holiday decorations and lights
Participating in a local holiday-themed 5K race with the family
Planning a family game outdoors such as catch, volleyball, or kickball during gatherings
Using the MyPlate method when building your holiday dinner plate
Practice intuitive eating to avoid overeating during the holidays
Creating a calendar or to-do list to manage the holiday chaos
Getting a head start your New Year’s resolutions
Taking advantage of the holiday deals to purchase health and wellness items such as fitness trackers or exercise equipment
Let’s not forget the most important part of the holidays: spending quality time with family and friends while enjoying a well-deserved break. This may be the perfect opportunity to encourage others to join you in making healthy changes during the holidays as well. Keep these things in mind while you are enjoying everything the holidays have to offer and finding a form of balance that works for you.