From parades, tree decorating and menorah lighting ceremonies to the New Year’s Eve countdown, the holiday season is here, but it doesn’t have to be time off from maintaining your health and well-being.
As you take part in winter holiday celebrations, following some simple tips can be a recipe for a safer and healthier holiday season.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate by gathering with friends and family and it often involves eating and enjoying food. Canada’s Food Guide offers some ideas to help you make nutritious choices and ideas for dishes that incorporate plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
When you buy, prepare and store food over the holidays, you can reduce the risk of illness for your family and friends by following simple food safety precautions. Always wash your hands and food preparation surfaces with warm, soapy water. Make sure to separate your raw foods, such as meat and eggs, from cooked foods and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination. Be sure to cook food to safe internal temperatures. You can check this by using a digital food thermometer.
The holidays can be busy and stressful for many. Physical activity refreshes the mind, can relieve tension and stress, and can release feel-good hormones (endorphins) that make us feel better. Consider creating holiday traditions that emphasize being active with the whole family.
