Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and to celebrate with friends and family! It is the official start of the holiday season and a time for entertaining, parties, and often times a little bit of over indulgence. Everyone clearly needs to be mindful of eating a balanced diet and exercising daily, but the holiday season is a time to relax a bit and enjoy some of the festive foods and events!
Try to follow these healthy guidelines to ensure a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous and fit New Year:
Remember everything in moderation!
Try to eat balanced meals throughout the season.
On the day of a holiday still eat a regular healthy breakfast and lunch so that you do not over eat later.
Even when busy or entertaining stay hydrated by keeping a glass out as a reminder to maintain healthy hydration.
Stick to your usual healthy portion sizes while dining and try to limit your sugar and salt intake.
Maintain balance! If you are on a special diet ensure that you stick to the guidelines.
Inform your host prior to coming as holiday meals can be fun, festive, and healthy!!!
Even desserts can be modified in a successful and mindful way with proper planning!
Remember to exercise throughout the holiday season as usual - stick to your routine and you will have fun and feel terrific!
If you have a loved one with cognitive impairment or dementia planning ahead will make all the difference:
Plan ahead and educate visitors and guests on important aspects.
Make changes to their environment slowly and on their terms
Try to support their usual routine and schedule even on the holiday.
Ensure that family and friends understand why this is important.
Ask for help from others to make the holiday easier and less stressful.
Make the event a potluck or have everyone choose a dish to bring.
Tap into preserved memories and create purpose by involving your loved one in nostalgic activities, holiday preparations, music, and traditions. Provide them with purpose!
Build in quiet time and designated space(s) to avoid cognitive taxing and frustration.
Have a Happy Healthy Holiday season by creating balance into the New Year and throughout the year!
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