Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays!

By Eileen Johnson, RN

Valley Natural Foods

Do you often end up with a cold or flu during this most exciting time of the year? Here are some tips for reducing your risk of getting sick during the holidays

• Develop a plan and write it out ahead of time. Purchase a day planner and turn it into a “healthy holiday” planner. Include your plan for healthy meals and desserts, exercise times, and moments for relaxation.
• Plan to include plenty of antioxidants and minerals in your diet every day. These can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables – The more colorful variety, the better!
• Create a menu and write out a specific grocery list that will help you to plan healthy, well-balanced meals during this busy time and not rely on pizza orders and trips to fast food restaurants.
• During the busy holiday times plan to sit down, even for a short 15 minute period, for each of your meals.
• Plan regular snacks that are “mini meals” – high in protein, good fats, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Don’t skip meals – Especially breakfast!
• Once a week cut up easy to eat vegetables like peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, jicama, cauliflower and broccoli and place a variety in small, easy to grab bags that you can take along with you to work and lengthy shopping trips.

Plan for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep or quiet time.

• Make time for regular exercise. Don’t give up on the gym just because it’s holiday time and see how creative you can be in centering gatherings around exercise – Like a moonlit snowy walk at night or a family sledding party.
• Make time for daily “stress reduction” that can include listening to quiet music, stretching, yoga, meditation or deep breathing moments.
• Looking for immune support from the Wellness department?
  • Homeopathic cold and flu formulas
  • Bach flower remedies for emotional support
  • Essential oil formulas to diffuse for stress relief and immune support
  • Check out the tea area for delicious green and elderberry formulas
  • Herbal and vitamin defense formulas created for this time of year

Remember the most basic – stay hydrated with plenty of water and wash your hands regularly! You can also find non-alcohol based hand sanitizers in the wellness area.