How to Eat Right and Stay Healthy During the Holidays
The holidays are a great time to celebrate with family and friends. There are plenty of big meals, traditional desserts, and holiday parties to enjoy this time of year, but remember: too much celebrating can take a toll on your health—especially if you’re not scheduling in enough down time. If you overeat and overbook during the holidays, not only will you be more likely put on a few extra pounds just in time for the New Year, you’ll also be more likely to end up with the cold or flu this holiday season. As your Orange County urgent care center, we want you to stay healthy as you enjoy the holiday season. We’ve put together a few tips to help you do just that.
Control Your Portions
Just about everywhere you turn this time of year, there’s some sort of holiday treat to tempt you. The cookies, the pies, the candy—it’s no wonder people tend to gain weight this time of year.
While it’s OK to indulge a bit on these special holiday goodies, don’t overdo it. Pick your favorite treat and just have one. Eat slowly, and really enjoy that piece of chocolate pie or that snowman-shaped sugar cookie.
As you go through the buffet line at your office holiday party, pay attention to how much you’re putting on your plate. Keep your portions small, and don’t go back for seconds. And, while it might be tempting, don’t stand near the buffet and graze all night. Your waistline will thank you later.
Find Creative Ways to Exercise
You’re busy this time of year, so finding time to hit the gym may not be easy. If you can’t get to your favorite workout machine or group exercise class, find ways to incorporate exercise into your day. Going shopping? Park as far from the store as you can. Heading to a holiday party tonight? Bring your dancing shoes and burn some calories moving to your favorite holiday songs. Find ways to exercise, and you’ll feel more energetic this holiday season.
Wash Your Hands
Cold and flu season is in full swing, so, no matter how busy you get, it’s important to make a habit of washing your hands often—and to make sure you wash them properly. How? Remember to use soap and water and to rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds as you’re washing. This is one of the best ways to kill germs and keep illnesses from taking you out of commission during the holidays.
Visit Your Urgent Care Center
If you do find yourself run down or battling the cold or flu this holiday season, visit our Costa Mesa Urgent Care Center. You won’t need to wait days to get an appointment, or waste hours waiting for a doctor to see you in an emergency room. We’ll get you back on your feet and ready to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holidays in no time.
If you’d like more advice on how to stay healthy this holiday season, or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office at 949-548-8400 or visit us at our Costa Mesa medical clinic.