By Alison McMillan, Manager Spann Wellness

With the holidays just around the corner, we likely have a lot on our minds. Social engagements, quality time with friends and family, delicious foods, as well as increased stress, increasingly busy schedules, and the worries of falling off the wagon. Worry not! There are ways to stay on track through it all and avoid the holiday gain:

Practice Mindful Eating Habits: Whether its eating slower, choosing smaller portions, eating until only 80% full, or removing distractions during meal time, you can find ways to not overindulge this holiday season.

Select Healthier Recipes: Did you know that you can make small changes to your recipes to make them
healthier? Use low/no calorie sweeteners, low/no fat dairy products, and research tips for adding protein to recipes to increase your protein intake. Speaking of, check out the High Protein Chicken Pot Pie recipe.

Track your progress with the Senior Fitness Test: The Senior Fitness Test is a series of seven tests that check your balance, strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, and agility. Your results can be compared to norms of others in your age and gender demographic to see where you’re at and used to set goals for where you’d like to be.

Take the Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge: With the goal of helping you stay motivated to keep active and take charge of your health this holiday season, Trinity Woods is again hosting its annual Maintain Don’t Gain challenge! Spanning from mid-November to the beginning of January, this challenge is a great way to stay motivated to keep your healthy habits.

Maintaining healthy eating habits during the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult. By planning ahead, practicing moderation, and being mindful of your choices, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your health. Focus on balance, indulge thoughtfully, and stay active to make the most of the holiday season while feeling your best.