How To Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

Cookies, cocktails, holiday parties with endless hors d'oeuvres; the list goes on of all the delicious treats and sweets that we seem to gravitate to during the holiday season. While the season is supposed to be merry and bright, the holidays can wreak havoc on our bodies. Stress can do damage to our immune system and high-caloric foods can add to our waistline. On average, people's weight increases about 1.3 pounds during the Christmas-New Year's season. So how do you stay healthy during the holidays? Here are some great tips to keep you feeling great:

1. Pack a snack bag and avoid the food court
. Shopping for gifts always works up a good appetite! But instead of taking a trip to the food court for a mid-afternoon break, we suggest packing a supercharged snack bag full of protein bars, granola, cheese sticks, and fruit that will keep you full and focused (more so than the Cinnabon's, unfortunately).

2. Exercise is key!
Just because it's cooler outside doesn't mean you need to stop exercising all together. Bundle up and take a brisk walk around your neighborhood or head to the gym for an aerobics class. Making sure you squeeze in time for some exercise will keep your spirits up and your waistline down.

3. Eat smart.
It's not easy avoiding all the delicious foods at a holiday party. So if you're trying to maintain your healthy eating during the yuletide season, choose one or two splurge food items during a dinner and balance it with healthy veggies and proteins. Distance yourself from the breads, extra sweets, and try to limit your alcohol intake. If you know the host of the party you're going to, call and ask ahead for the menu! Then you know how to prepare and can plan to eat right.