Christmas is less than a week away and January is less than 2 weeks away. Wow! This year has gone fast! So far it’s been a good one! This month I want to talk not about food, but movement of your body, and why it is so important and so much easier to get in than what most folks think.
Movement is just that – movement. Body movement can help burn some of those holiday calories. If you cannot find the time to move your body this season stay tuned. I am going to offer some simple things you can do to keep you moving. The benefits of moving your body are numerous! Some of the benefits are listed below:
- Healthier, glowing skin
- Regulates appetite
- Immune system boost
- Prolong life
- Better blood sugar control
- Lessen your risk of cancer
- Possible weight loss Better sleep
- Inflammation reducer
The above is only a short list of body movement benefits.
Don’t give up body movement just because you have too much to do for the holidays. Below you will find some easy things you can do to keep your body moving!
6 Easy Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays
Park Further From the Mall
Parking in the farther spaces can be good for you! If you walk 5 minutes from car to mall, you may burn about 25 calories. Walk back to the car – another 25 calories. And who only goes to the mall once during the season?
Take a Lap Around the Mall
Walk a full lap around the mall. Many malls have walking programs that you can join. It can be a good way to meet folks. But if you’re serious about shopping, you may be able to window shop while you’re doing your lap and find something even better; or maybe even something for you!
Take an "Ooh" and "Aah" Walk Around your Neighborhood
Holiday decorations are getting pretty creative these days and there is a lot to see out there, most likely in your own neighborhood! After dinner a few nights a week, get the jackets on the kids and your spouse, do a short (10-15 minute) walk around your neighborhood, and check out the decorations (you may even get some ideas for nextyear!). This is also good family time.
Walk the Stairs While Doing Errands
If you have laundry to put away, beds to make, anything to do upstairs or downstairs, make several short trips. For example, if you are going to put away the laundry,
put it away after each load instead of cluttering up the room and waiting for it all to be done.
Make Going to the Ice Rink a Tradition
Ice skating can burn up to 600 calories per hour. Kids will love learning how to skate and grown-ups will appreciate that they are getting rid of some calories!
Make an Appointment with Yourself
This is one of those things that works! Put yourself on your schedule. Go ahead. Use pen! And when it is time for your exercise appointment with yourself, you’ll be there!
LEARN ABOUT OUR NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS
While there are many nutritional programs out there, LifeScape vets out the science, technology and efficacy of each one before prescribing them to any patient. Our doctors and nutritionist may work with you on any number of customized programs for healthy diet, weight management, resolving dietary deficiencies or addressing inflammatory foods that may be leading to chronic conditions or illness.
Through a series of appointments, we will learn how to best help you with your nutrition and healthy eating goals. There are so many factors that influence how we eat in today’s busy world and we will do our best to help you find the healthy habits may work best for you.
