Staying healthy for the holidays

Greetings of the season, Sonoma.  I wish you all health in mind, body and spirit during this festive time of year!  This season comes and goes as quickly as Santa down a chimney, and if we aren’t healthy, we just may miss out on some of the enjoyment. So here are a few tips to help keep you feeling and looking your best during the holidays:

1)  Increase your intake of fruits and veggies.  Fruits and veggies give you much needed defense against colds and flu.  They also help you repair from stress and lack of sleep. Make a conscious effort to get double doses of each daily. Soups are a great way to get your five in.

2) Don’t skip the exercise. Although it’s a busy time of year, the average person gains an extra three to five pounds. Now is not the time to let your exercise routine take a vacation. Stay disciplined about your habits now more than ever, and you will not have to pay for it later.

3) Add vitamin C and zinc to your diet daily.  

4) Follow the three-bite rule when indulging in holiday treats.  The key to the three-bite rule is to enjoy three polite bites as if you are on national television eating with the Queen.  No, the bites are not the size of an ice cream scoop.

5) Drink extra water.  During this season, the furnace runs more and we can tend to drink more hot fluids and alcoholic beverages, all of which can dehydrate us. Be sure to keep the water intake up to flush out toxins and prevent hydration.

6) Try these healthful ingredients when doing your holiday cooking: whole-wheat pastry flour combined with coconut flour for baking, nuts of all kinds, cinnamon and other spices, coconut oil instead of butter when baking cookies, substitute regular sugar with lower calorie, palm or coconut sugar.

7) Be the example, not the enabler. Exercise restraint and discipline and others will follow your example. It is impressive not to be excessive.  You will love yourself for it and so will others come January.

8) Give the gift of health. We spend lots of money on toys and goodies, but why not commit to making the world a better place with your gift-giving?  Give something that will make someone’s life better.  A book about health, a gift certificate for a massage or exercise, or even a healthy cooking class. There are also many great videos and documentaries out there about health that could really make a difference in peoples’ lives.

9) Beware the beverages.  Tis the season for peppermint lattes, egg nog, hot totties and more. Beverages are often loaded with calories, moderation is your friend.

10) Keep a healthy living journal.  I am a big fan of writing down what you eat and drink. Actually seeing it in writing helps you to realize your habits.  

Well, there you have it, Sonoma.  A little advice sprinkled with holiday spice. Now go out there and eat, drink and be healthy!