We know that exercise delivers a double holiday positive, (helps your physical and mental health), so I hope you’re fitting some in. If not, it’s not too late. But what lies on the other side of the equation? What are those negative lifestyle choices, especially alluring this time of year?
How about drinking too much alcohol?
Adult beverages are offered at many holiday parties. This means even people who seldom imbibe may throw caution to the wind, and enjoy a couple of glasses of eggnog or wine. There’s nothing wrong with that. (Unless, of course, you have a problem with alcohol. If you do, admit it and get help. Stay away from the parties you know may present a problem for you.) Once you turn 21 drinking alcohol is your right as an adult. Of course, the more we drink, the less “adult” we behave. So not really sure why we call them adult beverages, but moving on…..
The problem occurs when you over-drink. You have time off from work, you’re looking forward to the new year, exchanging presents and wonderful memories with those you love. All of these emotionally positive feelings coming together at the same time can contribute to a loss of focus concerning how much alcohol you’re consuming. You forget, or don’t care, how many drinks you’ve already had. You drink at the office party. Then you go to the after work party, and drink some more. And boy, trimming the tree is fun. Drinking a little eggnog, (with rum, brandy, pick your favorite(s)), makes it even more fun, doesn’t it?
Then the double whammy of holiday drinking hits. Alcohol gets stored as fat. Alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, eggnog, and other holiday favorites, can be calorie and carbohydrate-dense. Alcohol also affects your brain and your mood. You have a few drinks, you feel good, so you keep on drinking. Unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of depression and physical exhaustion the morning after. Not to mention being hungover. And the thought that you consumed way too many calories. And it can also knock you off your exercise routine.
Set limits before you attend a party where adult beverages will be present. I’m not saying don’t drink, but keep your drinking in line during your holiday celebrations. Your mind and body will thank you. And you’ll be Saying NO to Stroke!
Did you know that alcohol is one of the 5 foods to avoid or cut back on during the holidays? You know if you read my blog post the other day. Check them out here, if you haven’t already. Your waistline will thank you in 2016!
Need gift ideas? Health related gift ideas? Give the gift of healthy, but great tasting recipes. Or fitness/sleep tracking.
Every day…..Say NO To Stroke!
