The holidays are a great opportunity to celebrate among friends and family with good food and drink. However, it can also be a time where healthy habits are replaced with overindulging in sugary and fatty foods. Luckily, you can still enjoy your favorite comfort foods by adding a few healthy adjustments. Here are three tips to have a healthy holiday season.
1. Eat as many colorful fruits and veggies as you can.
Foods with naturally occurring red coloring are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and other antioxidants that have been associated with reducing risks of some cancers and inflammation. Blue and purple foods may help to boost urinary tract health and memory function while yellow and orange foods can help with vision, immune, skin and bone health. By painting your plate with varying colors of fruits and veggies, you can still have fun with food while getting the nutrition you need.
2. Drink as much water as you can.
Water has bountiful benefits that contribute to overall health and wellness. According to the CDC, water helps your body maintain a normal temperature, lubricate and cushion joins, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and flush out waste and toxins. While it can be easy to pass up a glass of water for more sugary drinks, getting enough water daily is vital for good health. To change things up, try drinking winter teas, infusing water with fruits, or carrying a water bottle around while you cook or run errands.
3. Build mental and physical health with the love of friends and family.
It is inevitable that life will become stressful every now and then. Taking the time to mentally recharge during the holidays is just as important as exercising and eating well. Studies performed at Harvard University suggest that “good connections and social support can improve health and increase longevity.” When stress reaches harmful levels, it can negatively affect your coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation and immune system. Use the holidays to draw close to healthy and nurturing relationships.