Improving Health

SUBSCRIBE

6 Ways to Keep Healthy During a Pandemic Holiday

Posted by Marissa Beck on December 1, 2020
Share

Marissa Beck, MS, RDN – Corporate RDN for CareATC at Nintendo Inc

Christmas_Blog_1237X695A virtual holiday season might have felt odd a year ago, but after months of socially distanced birthdays, graduations, and celebrations, it seems par for the course. Whether gathering small or online, the holidays still come with indulgent traditions that can still be embraced and enjoyed, but they don’t have to disrupt a healthy lifestyle. Stay well physically and mentally this holiday season by implementing these six tips.

1) SPEND, SAVE AND GIVE.

Have you ever heard of the spend, save and give jars? You can apply this helpful monetary practice to your health!

  1. SPEND money where it matters. Invest in buying and learning how to prepare a bounty of fall harvest vegetables like kale, squash, pumpkin and brussels sprouts.
  2. SAVE on items you don’t need. This holiday season make a pact with yourself to bypass the sales on items that are harmful to health.
  3. GIVE to those in need or fellow neighbors by making traditional, healthy recipes that bring comfort to you and your loved ones.

2) RE-ENGINEER YOUR HOME FOOD ENVIRONMENT.

Do you feel like you are failing every time you walk into your kitchen? This doesn’t have to be the way! Your home does not need to be a minefield of traps every time you take a few steps. Adopt a minimalist mentality and bring foods into the home that align with your health goals. Success doesn’t come from willpower alone – the right environment is half the battle.

3) PRACTICE MODERATION, MOST OF THE TIME.

If it feels like you need to put yourself “back on a diet” every time the new year hits, try something new: change one small thing every day that helps versus hurts your health. Eat an apple. Sneak in 15 minutes of exercise. Try a breakfast packed with oats. Aim to eat well and exercise moderately most of the time versus “all the time” or “not at all” to achieve optimal health.

4) OVERCOME VERSUS NUMB.

If something feels hard to face, notice how often “numbing the pain” is becoming your norm (i.e., drinking alcohol to avoid reality, mindless or binge eating to “push it down,” scrolling on the phone for over an hour, etc). Try the following mantra: “overcome versus numb,” which simply means – attempt to overcome your suffering by first acknowledging the fact that your suffering is real. Ask yourself what feeling you’re trying to avoid. Then, choose to act differently. Instead of scrolling on the phone with no end in sight, set a time limit. Measure alcohol in advance of pouring and have others help you stay accountable to serving sizes. Keep binge-worthy food at the store versus in the cupboards.

5) EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE.

Yes, baby it’s cold outside, but that’s why there’s gor-tex! Just 30 minutes of a moderate intense walk every day (150 minutes per week) is enough to help manage weight and reduce your risk of a myriad of chronic diseases. Plus, it feels oh-so-good. No one ever said: darn, I wish I didn’t take that run during lunch!

6) DON’T WAIT TO GET HELP.

If you would like some motivation and support in adopting healthier habits, repairing a relationship with food, or just in need of some general guidance, opt to do so now. If your CareATC clinic offers coaching, reach out to your health coach. Do not wait until after the holiday season is over.

The holidays are a time to be close to loved ones – and while we all might not have that luxury this year, we can still aim for closeness by focusing on true connection, even if virtually. As a reminder, if visiting friends and family in person for the holidays, protect yourself with proper hand-washing, social distancing and masks, in addition to quarantining if symptoms arise. And above all, have a happy and a healthy holiday season!

 

Make your next visit to the clinic a hassle-free experience by making an appointment with us online.

Book an Appointment

Marissa Beck

About The Author

Marissa Beck

Marissa Beck, MS, RDN leverages her expertise in corporate wellness as a Registered Dietitian for CareATC, where she works on-site with employees of Nintendo. There, she offers employees individual nutrition counseling, monthly lectures and cooking demos to all employees. Marissa has worked with employees of multiple tech companies and start-ups as a dietitian with PRO Sports Club, including employees of Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Facebook.

Post Topics Healthy Holidays