The holidays are a time of celebration that tends to include a lot of eating and drinking. But too much of a good thing can affect your health now…and in the future. Here are a few tips to avoid overdoing it.
Think before you eat. At a party? Choose only the foods you think you will enjoy and skip the others. Avoid weight gain by starting with small portions and chewing slowly, savoring each bite.
Limit liquid calories. Alcohol, espressos, and sodas have little nutritional value but lots of calories. Choose skinny options like coffee, tea, sparkling water, or hot spiced apple cider (recipe below).
Speaking of drinks, pace yourself by having a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage. Stick to the USDA’s recommended limit of two drinks/day for men and one drink/day for women.
Sleep seven or more hours at night. Staying up late too many nights in a row makes it difficult to think clearly and manage your emotions. It also weakens your immune system.
Move it. No time for your regular workout? Just ten minutes of exercising, walking, or lifting weights can boost your fitness, energy, and mood.
Overwhelmed? A few sessions with a counselor can help you identify practical strategies to cope with the season.
- Regence: Log in on regence.com to search for an in-network behavioral health provider who can meet with you in-person or online.
- MDLIVE: There is no cost to you for live video sessions with an MDLIVE behavioral health provider. Schedule a visit on members.mdlive.com/regence-or, download the MDLIVE app on your phone, or call (888) 725-3097.