6 Tips for a Healthier Holiday

Happy holidays, dear readers! This time of year is filled with parties and family traditions – like baking cookies and binging your favorite holiday movies. It’s easy to push off your health goals until January, but we’re here to remind you of the easy ways you can be healthy AND enjoy the holiday festivities. Remember, making small healthy choices can make a big impact – and can even help reduce your cancer risk!

• Quit smoking. New year, new you! Make 2020 the year you are able to quit smoking for good. Increase your chance of quitting by sitting down and writing a quit plan.

• Make a healthy swap. Grandma’s famous holiday meatball recipe is a staple, and you can swap the ground pork for ground turkey for a healthier twist. Or try swapping soda for water during the holidays.

• Keep an eye on your portion sizes. If you’re not preparing the food and unable to make healthy swaps, you can still eat healthier by watching your portion sizes. Try using a smaller plate to make this easier, and remember that half of your plate should be vegetables or salad.

• Drink 1-for-1. Are you a fan of eggnog or mulled wine? Us too! Try to limit how much alcohol you drink by alternating your festive beverages with water or flavored sparkling water.

• Find time to get off the couch. Watching holiday movies is a favorite activity in many homes this time of year. Try getting up and doing something active during commercials or plan to go outside for a walk between episodes.

• Schedule all your preventative care appointments. While you’re thinking ahead to 2020 and making your resolutions, take some time to schedule your preventative cancer screenings and vaccines, including your flu shot (it’s never too late!).

From all of us at Louisiana Cancer Prevention, we wish you a healthy holiday and a happy new year!