Eat Right, Move Right During the Holidays

The last few months of every year are typically an exciting time for most. The holidays arrive, which means seeing loved ones and giving thanks for another year. There’s a chill in the air, so going outside can be more comfortable. There’s an abundance of delicious holiday food and desserts within reach. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Eating Right During the Holidays

It’s no secret that holiday living doesn’t always go together with healthy living. The delicious, home-crafted recipes that adorn Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas tables may not follow the diets we stick to the rest of the year. The entire fall-winter season is full of a lot of fatty, salty, and sugary foods which is not good for you. Thankfully, eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up your holiday favorites — all they need are a few modifications. You can use less butter and bacon in green bean casseroles, yogurt instead of mayonnaise in devilled eggs, and bake the turkey instead of deep frying it. With simple tricks like these, you can keep all your favorites on your plate without all the excess calories.

If you find yourself still struggling to shy away from the holiday platters, remember that moderation is key. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an indulgent, festive dinner — but you’ll want to make sure that your meals surrounding it are healthy and nutrient-dense. Have a light lunch like a salad with olive oil dressing and opt for a healthy breakfast the next morning like avocado on whole wheat toast.

Moving Right During the Holidays

Staying healthy during the holidays is always a challenge. Between the cooler weather outside, tempting treats, and last-minute shopping trips, your weekly meal prep and workout schedule tend to get put on the back burner. Not to mention, we have longer nights and shorter days making staying in a much cozier option than getting up and working out. Add in the combination of family gatherings, work parties, and cross-country travel and you may find yourself gaining a few unwanted pounds.

Even with all of that, it’s still important to keep your body active. Exercise will not only help with any unwanted extra pounds, but endorphins also released will naturally boost your mood and alleviate holiday stress. With FHCP’s Preferred Fitness Program, Members and their dependents have free, unlimited access to over 80 gyms and fitness facilities.

FHCP Eat Right, Move Right Program

Whether it’s during the holidays, or sometime in May, Florida Health Care Plans offers a 6-week “Eat Right, Move Right” program focused on keeping you healthy. In these classes, you’ll learn how to improve your nutritional intake, get more exercise, and make changes to your routine to lose weight and keep it off.

To learn more about FHCP’s Eat Right, Move Right program, please contact us today by calling 386-676-7133. These classes are FREE to FHCP members, who can re-enroll at any time.