We all look forward to the holidays. As an active, independent senior, spending quality time with family and friends is one of life’s most enriching and rewarding experiences. A time of eating, drinking, and being merry, this time of year can also be a source of stress and worry, as your diet and exercise plans can often go out the window.

With the erratic schedule that seems to come hand in hand with this time of year, it’s important to prepare in advance in order to stay committed to wellness. Try these tips for healthy eating this season.

Tips For Healthy Eating

• Stay hydrated. Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to ensure your body is running well. Ensure you have a ready supply of H2O by making a habit of carrying a water bottle with you at all times.
• Choose healthy foods. The holidays are a time for indulgence; however, you don’t want to make yourself sick! On the days you’re planning to have a rich dinner along with some tasty high-calorie appetizers, consider having a little of what you fancy along with a lighter option. Also, ensure you eat healthfully the day before, as well as the day after, so you don’t feel bloated or sluggish.
• Stand or sit away from the food. That appetizer buffet or dessert table is inviting to be sure, but if you stand or sit farther away from these areas, you’ll be less tempted to overindulge.
• Be careful with alcohol. Know your limit in terms of drinking, and stick to it. It might be tempting to have a few more drinks than you know is good for you, however, too much alcohol can impair your functioning. And, especially important, check how alcohol may interact with any medications you’re on, and consider drinking delicious alcohol-free “mocktails” instead.
• Make time to exercise. It may sound boring, but you need to remember to keep up with your planned exercise schedule during the holidays. Excellent for reducing stress—and stopping those extra pounds from creeping on—a little exercise can help offset some of those holiday indulgences.
• Don’t overeat. Yes, all those yummy-looking fresh-baked holiday cookies can be very tempting, however you should get into the habit of eating until you’re satisfied, instead of stuffed. Small portions are key to maintaining your weight throughout the holiday season – not only for seniors, but for everyone of every age.

Staying healthy during the holidays can sometimes seem like a losing battle, as many of us equate healthy eating with boring eating. However, that’s certainly not the case, and through following these simple tips, you can ensure you hit the right balance of food, fitness, and fun.