Tips for Maintaining Your Health Throughout the Holidays

Finally we have gotten to the "party months", the last quarter of the year with all the back to school parties, Halloween and Fall Festivals, Thanksgiving and pre-Thanksgiving get togethers and then as the climax to this season there's Christmas and New Years Eve - Woo-Hoo! Party time! And we all know that we can definitely over indulge in everything this season has to offer, but if we do then next year comes around with 10 extra pounds, over-sugared, over partied, and just plain worn out spiritually, mentally and physically. January could easily be renamed the party recovery month and all our New Year's resolutions reflect it. And it goes on year after year after year. Well it's time to stop all this crazy binging and bring the partying under control while still having FUN!

What I'd like to show you here are a few tips that you can use to "soften the blow" of this season. You can use just one or two tips if you like, or you can use them all, how you want to feel and look are up to you. The main thing to remember is that these are not going to interfere with your level of fun and enjoyment this year, in fact, you just might find that you enjoy the holidays even more by keeping yourself in check and avoiding the headaches.

The most important tip is to make sure that you get 7-8 hours sleep every night. This is so important because it is when you are sleeping that your body needs to recover and rejuvenate from the days activities. 70% of the American population does not get enough sleep and then they wonder why they get stressed out and sick all the time. Don't be in this category. And it is not required for you to get all your sleep time at once! It is perfectly OK for you to split up the 8 hours into two 4 hours or to take a two nap and then sleeping less at night. Just so it falls in the same 24 hour period.

Next is the over use of alcohol which happens in this season and for the most part is accidental - you're just having a good time talking or whatever and don't realize how many drinks or beers that you have had. Here is the standing tip for that. Start with a nonalcoholic beverage and then make every other drink your cocktail separated by the nonalcoholic drinks. This will allow your system time to metabolize the alcohol and prevent you from getting "sloshed". This is extremely important if you will then be getting into your vehicle and driving. The alcohol content will be half as much when you do this tip. I might even suggest having 2 nonalcoholic beverages to 1 alcoholic drink. Remember no one wants to get arrested and get a DUI charge especially after a party and by following this tip you will also feel much better in the morning when you wake up. You don't have to make sacrifices and not attending some of the gatherings. You still participate in just as much of the fun as you want and the only difference is that you actually remember what has gone on.

Here's the tip that will save you no matter what else you do. Have a light meal, or at least some protein and some vegetables before you go out or to a party. This will do a number of good things for you which include providing a substance to slow the alcohol absorption into your system down and reducing any drunken effects. If you are going to a party where there will be a buffet or the like this tip will prevent you from overeating all those rich and sugary foods that add inches and pounds.Yes, you can have a little taste of each, but you won't be tempted to eat the whole plate of them! Even if you are just going to a cocktail party or to a soccer game and you know there will be beer there, and this tip will it will slow down the absorption process. And you probably will not want to eat or drink much more because you will already be satisfied. Contrary to what you might be thinking, no one is watching what you eat or drink, so don't feel like you are not being hospitable. We are the only ones worried about what we are eating and drinking and what people are thinking. Just go ahead and enjoy yourself all the more.

Try these tips that add a small amount of self-control to your party season, but in return will save you in calories and taking in too much alcohol to be fun, anymore. The extra energy that you maintain throughout the season will prove to you that this is the way to go.
Happy Holidays!