5 Tips to Make Healthier Holiday Choices

The holiday season is upon us, and boy, does it feel good! But with all the celebrating comes a small voice back of our heads -- what about the healthy habits we've been building all year?

We asked our doctors and physician assistants for their advice on how to stay healthy during the holidays. Follow these simple tips to make healthier choices while making the most of your holiday season!

Give Yourself Permission to Indulge

Holidays are the time to eat, drink, and be merry! It's why we have New Year's Resolutions. 
– Kevin McCullough PA

Holidays are definitely a time I indulge. I try to only do so on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but this seems to get extended every year. I continue with my regular workout routine around the holidays to *try* and balance out all of the calories I'll be enjoying. 
– McKenzie Seippel, PA

Get Outside

I love all activities outside with family. We usually bike, walk on the beach, play soccer, cornhole, run in the Turkey Trot. 
– Kathryn Jones, PA

I try to be outside (much easier down here than back in Ohio!). If I am outside, I usually am more active and find myself going on walks, hikes, etc with family and friends. 
– Shannon Reilly, PA

Fit in Exercise When & Where You Can

Something is better than nothing! The holidays can be stressful, and sometime I feel too tired to exercise, but I try to do something to get my heart rate up each day. Usually it’s taking my dog for a nice long walk! 
– Melissa Williams, PA

Keep Your Habits Top of Mind

Don’t let the holidays break the good habits you forge year round. 
– Jonathan Riboh, MD

I indulge but still try to keep with my normal gym and exercise routine.  My goal is to maintain and just not gain any weight during this time of the year!
– Lynn Gilbert, PA

I try to watch my portions and look for opportunities to be active while celebrating the season.  I think the most important thing is to enjoy the holidays and making memories with my family and friends. 
– Lindsay Collins, PA

Listen to Your Body

Listen to your body and don't hold back when you truly want to eat something. If you're not hungry for breakfast the morning after a big meal, don't force yourself to eat breakfast. If having a second helping of grandma's macaroni is deeply satisfying, go for it.
– Courtney Phillips, PA

From all of us at OrthoCarolina, have a happy and safe holiday season!