Tis the season! How to stay healthy during the holidays.

The holidays can be a time of indulgence. Celebrating the season is often an occasion to socialize and gather with friends and family. While it is important to enjoy yourself, there are a few things you can do to make sure you maintain your health throughout the month.

Eat well

Bigger portions, packaging and tableware may cause you to consume more food and drink than you would otherwise. To maintain a healthy diet, try to limit portion sizes of fatty foods and sugary drinks, and fill your plate with healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Enjoy alcohol in moderation

Avoid alcohol or limit your drinks: ideally no more than one a day for women; no more than two a day for men.

Make time for exercise

Lace up your shoes and go for a walk, strength train at your local gym or community centre, or practice yoga. Whatever your favourite form of exercise is, and keeping in mind the advice you’ve been given by your physician, aim for at least 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily, or a total of 150 minutes each week.

Give back to the community

Many organizations look for extra volunteer help during the holidays. Did you know that volunteering can also keep you healthy and engaged? Some of the many benefits include the opportunity to build relationships and reduce loneliness and social isolation.

 

 

Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.
Subscribe
Author Details

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.