Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2021

HEALTHY LIVING
H story by Luke Height
olidays are some of our
favorite times of the year. We get to gather with our families,
exchange gifts, share memories and feel
all the love. Of course, it’s not always this way. For some, the holidays can be hard
and painful. Reminding us of the losses we’ve had or the pain we’ve felt. Either way, one thing is for certain, during the holidays: we indulge.
The season for cheer is often filled with beer and an
abundance of food. During this time, many people stay away
from the healthy habits they’ve cultivated over the year and begin basking in the pleasure of good, home-cooked food. From exercise to four diets, we fall out of equilibrium and into inebriation. But we don’t have to let the holidays get the best of us this year. In fact, we can still enjoy all the pleasures of this time and be healthy too.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON:
Make sure to have a healthy breakfast to keep yourself from overeating at family meals.
Exercise is essential and keeps the metabolism moving. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
Make a commitment for a 30 minute workout for every drink you have. That way you won't over consume and you will make it worthwhile.
Connect with your family and friends instead of stuffing your face. Slow the pace of eating down by talking with the people you care about.
Local businesses, such as Makin' Groceries in Biloxi, offer large to-go sized portions of healthy plant-based meals that can be used as alternatives for some of the traditional dishes.
Of course being healthy sounds like a great reason to not overindulge. The truth is, when we overindulge it always leaves us feeling tired, sluggish, and even sick. In a time that means so much to us and our families, we want to be able to feel the joy and love. We want to be able to have fun and be active in the new memories being made. That’s why we need to use these tools to have a happy and healthy holiday season.
82 | December 2021
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