Activity and Nutrition Tips for a Healthier Season
As we navigate through the winter months it is important to keep in mind your activity levels along with your eating habits. Holiday celebrations often include indulging in festive foods and drinks, which can impact your normal eating habits. Staying mindful of what you are eating and how much exercise you are doing will help you maintain your health.
Activity During the Holidays
Continuing to exercise during the holidays is vital to keeping you happy and healthy. Stress during the holidays is inevitable and activity is a great way to combat it. Even short spells of activity such as going for a walk or doing yoga can release endorphins, which positively impact mood and anxiety levels.
It is recommended by the CDC that people between the ages of 18 and 64 should be active for at least 150 minutes per week. Embracing the cold and trying some holiday themed activities can be another great way to participate in keeping your body moving.
Some activities to stay active include:
- Sledding
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Short walks to look at Christmas light
- Ice skating
- Indoor classes such as yoga, pilates, biking & dance
One of the simplest ways to keep yourself active is following a schedule. Setting aside time for activity not only helps you plan out your day, but it can also reduce stress. In addition to having a schedule, it’s important to integrate short breaks. Taking a short 5–10 minute stretch break or a 15–30 minute walking break after being sedentary for an extended period can boost your overall wellness.
Nutrition During the Winter
Eating healthy during the holidays can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Focusing on sticking to your regular eating habits is key to navigating smart choices. Keeping portions sizes consistent, not skipping meals, and allowing yourself to enjoy your favorite holiday treat in moderation can minimize stress around food. One of the best ways to prevent overeating is to stop eating when you are about 80% full.
Planning ahead is another strategic strategy. Thinking about healthy options in advance allows you to make healthier choices without feeling restricted. In addition to this, preparing balanced dishes or keeping nutritious snacks on hand such as fruits, nuts, or vegetables ensure you’ll have healthy alternatives when temptation arises.
Practicing mindfulness can help you remain focused, while staying hydrated could also play a significant role in helping curb cravings. Sometimes when you are hungry, you may be dehydrated. The reason these signals can get misinterpreted is because they get sent out from the same part of your brain. Drinking a glass of water when you start to get hungry and waiting briefly before eating may curb your appetite.
Community Connections
Many people find it challenging to stay active and maintain healthy eating habits. It is important to know that there is a range of supportive resources available to you. Southwest Health provides a variety of nutrition services including general healthy eating, weight management and more. By utilizing these programs, individuals can gain access to personalized action plans tailored to their needs. In addition to this, Southwest Health offers free group presentations and education about eating healthy while still being able to enjoy your diet.
It is important to balance activity and healthy eating habits this season. Holiday celebrations often bring indulgent food and busy schedules but being mindful of your choices can preserve your well-being. Even short bursts of movement can be a key factor to help reduce your stress and improve your mood.
Nutrition plays an equally vital role in your wellness. Sticking to regular eating habits, practicing control, and enjoying your favorite holiday treats in moderation can help minimize food stress. In addition, planning ahead and staying hydrated can make it easier to avoid overeating.
Ultimately, maintaining wellness during the winter months comes down to balance and preparation. Staying active, making mindful choices, and planning ahead, you can stress and support your overall health. Overall, taking small intentional steps and using community support programs will help you be resilient and navigate this holiday season.
