Healthy Holiday Travels

By Venetta Kalu, CNS, ND, MPHA

Path of Life Healing

. https://pathoflifehealing.com

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Healthy Holiday Travels

How to enjoy yourself during this holiday season should conjure up pleasant thoughts of roasting turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin and/or sweet potato pie with a cool whipped topping, lasagna, cornbread, and the list goes on. Well, let’s do something different and move our thoughts to pay attention to our habits. Not only our dietary habits but let’s add the health of the environment to our list of healthy habits to focus on this holiday season. Here are some things you can consider for yourself and the environment in planning your trip:

Environmental Holiday Trip Tips

• If you are using transportation of any sort, bus, train, or plane that needs ticketing, purchase them online to save paper.
• Search out accommodations that have sustainable practices in place like recycling, energy, gas, and water saving features. Also, look for locations known to appreciate nature or offer eco-tourism opportunities.
• If the need arises to rent a vehicle, choose a hybrid or electric car. Also, mass transit is a viable option.
• While in a hotel, AirBnB, or family members home, continue to focus on saving energy, gas, and water. Remember to turn off the lights and air conditioning before leaving the room and contribute to the local recycling programs by placing garbage in their appropriate bins.
• The day of the trip plan to unplug all appliances at home, as they will continue to draw energy even if they are turned off. Think of adjusting the thermostat to save energy while away.

Holiday Dining Tips

• Sourcing recipes and planning meals is a necessity for holiday get togethers. Thus, shopping is inevitable. When shopping, use reusable bags instead of paper or plastic.
• Stay hydrated with water or low-calorie drinks. Two cups of water about 30 minutes before each meal keeps you hydrated while reducing cravings and calories when you eat.
• When traveling, search online for the healthy local eating spots to support the local economy as well as enjoy the food and culture of where you are vacationing.
• If you drink alcohol, sip instead of guzzle to help watch your calories and to stay clear headed and safe.
• To eat less heavy rich foods, fill up on raw veggie and salads (without a lot of dressing) first. Eat food last. This may help reduce the amount of high calorie food your intake.

Be very frugal and thrifty with what you spend over the holidays, but more importantly with what you eat. It will help you with your health in the end.