Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain

Contributed by Campus Rec

Your son or daughter has been stopping by the Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE) or the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) three times a week throughout the semester, helping them to relieve stress and stay healthy. But, the holiday season is upon us and they're now at home, relaxing, watching television, seeing old friends and eating.

How can your son/daughter and even you stay healthy and fit during the holidays? It's not too difficult, and you can even still enjoy all the good food and drink.

Here are a few hints from Campus Recreation:

1. Eat cookies - yes, you can and should eat cookies. Just remember it is all about moderation. Cookies are a great holiday dessert, not the entire meal. Also, never hit a holiday party on an empty stomach and pick out one indulgence at the party, something you can only get at the holidays.

2. Drink - tea. If you feel the need for a warm beverage, skip the high calorie mocha and make tea instead. Tea has few calories and it also provides your body with antioxidents. Unfortunately, watch the egg nog. One cup can have up to 350 calories.

3. Move - almost all of us become more sedentary during the winter because it's freezing outside. Find an activity you enjoy that can be done indoors. Don't limit your options to running on a treadmill. Anything that gets you moving will burn calories. Go dancing with friends. Three hours of dancing can burn more calories than jogging 20 minutes every day. Want to be outdoors? Make exercise during the holidays a family affair. Go walking around the neighborhood to look at the lights. Play a football game in the backyard. Shovel the driveway and sidewalks together and then make a snowman.

Most of all have fun and enjoy the break together. The holidays are a time of celebration.

Click here for more tips from the University of Illinois Extension