‘Tis the season for family gatherings, office holiday parties, New Year festivities, and cheer. From a gastrointestinal health perspective, the holiday season can be a difficult one to “digest.”

Even the healthiest among us can be tempted by the many sweets and treats that can sabotage our health and wellness, all in the name of holiday fun. Despite our best intentions, it’s easy to overindulge.

Here are four helpful tips to make this your healthiest holiday season:

Avoid Overeating | Many of us experience weight gain during this time of year. Holiday meals can be extravagant, with multiple courses, including dessert. It’s easy to lose track of your healthy eating habits with oversized portions and calorie loaded foods. Remember to incorporate healthy salads and vegetables into your festive spread. Skip the store-bought cookies but do save some calories for homemade traditional holiday treats.

Get Social | Food is almost always present at a holiday social gathering. It can make it hard to remember the purpose of a holiday party in the first place. When you arrive at the party, instead of running towards the appetizers, do a lap and say hi to those around you. Focus on engaging with friends and family instead of overindulging in those excess calories. You can politely say no when offered seconds…and thirds!

Stay Physically Active | Getting sidetracked and neglecting your physical activities can seem easy during the holidays with many parties and get-togethers. Our exercise routines and healthy habits go by the wayside, only to painfully return to the gym with a New Year’s resolution to lose the weight gained during the holidays. Avoid the need to get rid of excess weight by not losing sight of exercising during this time of year.

Limit Alcohol | Drink in moderation, if at all. Alcohol is an easy way to pack on the pounds. These empty calories do not provide your body with nutritional value and can predispose you to reflux and heartburn, which are both worsened by overeating.

Balance is the key to staying healthy during the holidays. You can enjoy festive foods while still being mindful about maintaining healthy habits during this special time of year.

Most importantly, remember to enjoy this holiday season. Find a few moments each day to reflect on all that you hold near and dear, including your health and wellness. Don’t let these moments of magic and joy pass by.

The Gastroenterology department at Day Kimball Hospital is here to help this holiday season and all throughout the year. Learn more about our services by calling our associated board-certified gastroenterologists from Connecticut GI at 860-963-6371 or visiting our Gastroenterology services online.

Related Resources 
Gastroenterology Services at Day Kimball
Your Health & Wellness: Articles from the Experts