4 Ways to Be Happy and Healthy During the Holidays

Just because you’re a little older doesn’t mean Santa isn’t watching anymore. If Mr. Claus or his little helpers get a look at what you’re eating, will you be on the nice list or the naughty list? Too many sweet treats, fast food, or skipped meals will land you on the naughty list. Eat healthy, and you’ll get more than just coal in your stocking.

For seniors, it’s especially important to eat healthy, because poor eating habits can have a negative effect on existing health problems like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or getting better after having surgery. You also need to eat well to keep your bones, body and brain healthy. Here are five ways to be happy and healthy during the holidays.

1. Pay Attention to Calories

For some seniors, eating too many calories from sugary drinks, snacks, and large portion sizes is a problem. And for others skipping meals, and not eating enough healthy food, can lead to poor nutrition. Fortunately, there’s a better way. Pay attention to the amount of calories you’re eating per day. If you’re moderately active, the National Institutes of Health recommends seniors eat 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day. Check out our large selection of Senior Meals and look for the calorie count per serving.

2. Take Time to Rest

There’s a reason Santa takes a whole year off after the holidays. It’s tiring. Travelling, shopping, driving in traffic, or navigating airports can be stressful, too. And you need to give yourself time to rest and recover. Why? When you’re tired or fatigued, you’re more likely to overeat. So go ahead and give yourself permission to take an afternoon nap if you feel like it.

3. Laugh, Love, and Enjoy the Celebrations

When you get older and see life a little differently after years of experience, you start to appreciate the little things more. Spending time with your family and friends to laugh, love, and celebrate the holidays is fun, but it’s also good for your health. Studies show laughter and feelings of happiness or joy can actually lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and improve your mood. Healthy comfort foods like Chicken Mac & Cheese with Broccoli, Peas & Corn, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Turkey Chili with Brown Rice can help, too.

4. Stay Active

It’s important to stay active as you age to keep your bones healthy and your muscles strong. So look for ways to stay active during the holidays. Take a walk after a big meal. Put your treadmill or exercise bike to good use. Or attend a local fitness class for seniors like tai chi, yoga, or water aerobics. Regular exercise will give you an appetite, so make sure you stock up on ingredients at the grocery store or our large selection of healthy meals made just for seniors.

Cookies and sweet treats are easy to find during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you should gobble them up. If you do, you might end up on the naughty list by Santa and your doctor.