Insight Nutrition Blog

Well the holidays are truly upon us.  If you are like me I have a hard time choosing and giving gifts for friends and loved ones. Partly because I think most people just don’t need or want more stuff! There is ONE thing I believe we all want for ourselves and all of our favorite people and that is HEALTH!  Body, Mind and Spirit!  Here are some of my favorite ideas along that theme that are just a little different;

* Donate to your friend or loved ones favorite charity on their behalf and give them a card to tell them about it.
* Make something homemade, pictures of fun times and adventures together make meaningful cherished gifts.
* Write them a story or a poem about how grateful you are for them.
* Cook or bake something healthy for an alternative to all the sweets we often begrudgingly indulge in this time of year.
* Make gift certificates for a future hike, bike ride, meditate or workout together or doing something healthy together.
* And if you cannot think of anything to give may I suggest - giving them the “Gift of Health” by purchasing a gift certificate from Insight Nutrition in any denomination for products or services that are all about health!

A common theme among American celebrations is food.  Holiday get togethers are often accompanied by large meals and sweet treats.  It is estimated that the average American gains anywhere between 2-10 lbs between mid-October and January 1st.  I have created some tips to help you through this season as healthy as you can be.

* Before leaving for a holiday party eat a light balanced meal with plenty of water.  When you arrive you can select a few tasty morsels to indulge in, without blowing your healthy eating program.
* Remember portion control.
* Watch alcohol intake - limit alcoholic drinks to two and drink a glass of water between each drink.
* Make exercise a family affair.  Socialize your activities by taking a walk to look at holiday lights or starting a family flag football game.
* Get adequate rest.  Holiday gatherings can interfere with normal sleeping patterns. Remember to still aim for 7 to 8 hours a night.
* Eat mindfully.  When you indulge in a holiday treat, awaken all of your senses.  The more you taste, smell and feel your food the more satisfied you will be and the less likely you will be to overindulge.