10 Tips for the Holidays

1. Watch your diet - Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fats and tobacco all put a strain on your body's ability to cope with stress. A balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and herbal teas will help create optimum health.
2. Avoid excess alcohol and snacks - save your calories for the main meal. Alcohol provides many calories and virtually no nutrients. Also, try not to sit within arm’s reach of tempting snack foods.
3. Select small portions - moderation is the key. Selecting small portions allows you to control your calorie intake yet enjoy all the different items offered. If you really crave a high-calorie item, go ahead and treat yourself to a small serving.
4. Eat slowly - take time and enjoy the taste of your meal. Pace yourself and try to be the last person to finish each course. Take small bites, and chew slowly. It usually takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you are full. By eating slowly, you might be less likely to raid the dessert table.
5. Leave the table when you are done - if you linger at the table, you may be tempted to continue eating even if you are not hungry. Stay long enough to enjoy the meal, but leave the table while you are still ahead of the calorie game. Offer to help with dishes, clear the table, or take a walk.
6. Recognize your symptoms of stress - memory/concentration problems, negative thoughts, constant worrying, aches/pains, nausea/dizziness, loss of sex drive, moodiness/irritability, depression, eating more/less, sleeping too much or too little, isolation from others, procrastination, using alcohol/cigarettes/drugs to relax.
7. Exercise - physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around!
8. Use relaxation techniques - yoga, deep breathing, meditation, journaling, positive imagery and/or massage.
9. Get enough rest and sleep - Create a relaxing ritual before going to bed. Take a warm bath, play soft music and unwind with a hot cup of Chamomile tea.
10. Have lots of fun!

             Have lots of laughs!!

                      And be with people you enjoy!!!