DECEMBER 2014 HEALTH TIPS

It’s perfectly OK to splurge during the holidays, as long as you follow a few simple rules. First, only choose completely worthwhile can’t-live-without splurges. And second, create balance by making room for them. For example, if you want to indulge in a carb-rich cookie or two for dessert, order a salad instead of a burrito for dinner.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, but at meal time, commit to taking a break from multitasking. Research shows that eating slowly without distractions, and paying attention to the taste and texture of your meal, can help you feel fuller faster and experience greater meal satisfaction. Before you dine, take a deep breath, stop for a beat or two between bites, and savor every forkful.

No time for the gym? Find ways to build physical activity into even the busiest of days. While running errands, park your car in the furthest corner of the lot, and take the stairs instead of the escalator. At home, call up a few favorite tunes in your mp3 player or YouTube and dance, dance, dance!

The holidays are magical, but also stressful, and unchecked anxiety can wreak havoc with your health and waistline. Stress can weaken immunity, and trigger a surge in hormones that spark cravings for sugary, fatty foods. To keep it in check, take five minutes a day to decompress. Meditate, stretch, sing, soak in a tub, whatever “you time” allows you to unwind.