Nutrition
Staying Healthy During The Holidays
By Ken Bendor
Apr 6, 2008

The Holidays are a time to relax, have fun, open presents and most importantly spend time with your friends and family. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and Thanksgiving have their own unique way of celebrating something important. The one thing that probably unites all of these holidays is the delicious food that's served at the table. Unfortunately, this food isn't known for being healthy.

Mashed potatoes, turkey, corn bread and pies are part of the holidays but they aren't always made in the healthiest manner. Eating yourself full of these can cause weight gain. Before you think you need to cancel the Thanksgiving Turkey this year there are plenty of ways that you can stay healthy during the holidays and still enjoy the foods you've come to love.

The first thing you need to think about when you see all that food is moderation. Just about anything can fit into a healthy and balanced diet as long as it's moderated. For example, having one slice of pumpkin pie won't cause any damage, but when you go for your second and third slice in the same sitting, you create problems.

If you're afraid that you'll eat too much at one meal, start with some lighter foods. Get a plate of salad and eat that first. Next move on to the main coarse. If you do this, you'll have less room in your stomach for all those high calorie foods. When the time comes to get seconds, you'll already be full.

You can also get rid of leftovers. Don't throw them away but offer them to your guests. College students love leftovers and won't mind taking them off your hands.

Don't forget to exercise. If you really don't want to skip out on any of the food, make sure you burn it off through exercise. You'll probably be away from your hometown during the holidays, so find something you like to do that doesn't require a gym. Play tennis, go running or ride a bike.

Being healthy isn't only about your physical shape. It's also about being happy and enjoying yourself. The holidays are a time to spend with the ones you love. Don't be overly obsessed with the calories you're eating or how you can't go to the gym. It shouldn't be in the back of your mind, but don't let it ruin the good times you're supposed to have.

The Holidays are a time to spend with the family and eat a lot of food. The eating and lack of exercise can contribute to unwanted weight gain during the holidays. The Guide to a Healthy Holiday has articles, FAQs, tips and tools to help you eat healthy, exercise and enjoy the holidays.