10 Healthy Holiday Tips
To keep you in shape through the feasting and festivities we'd like to share our tips for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!
1. Just because you're out of town and can't go to the gym doesn't mean you can't work out. Think outside of the gift box. Get in your manual chair and push yourself around the mall while shopping for the perfect presents. Get some cardio in by doing punches from the chair. (This will also be helpful in case any Black Friday shoppers are still straggling around!)
2. Stay hydrated by consuming more water than usual. Your body actually uses more water in winter than in the summer because it takes a lot of energy to keep warm, and the heat generated to maintain a stable temperature uses up moisture. Avoid coffee and non-herbal tea as caffeine is dehydrating, and ditto with carbonated beverages like soda.
3. Keep warm by dressing in layers. Hats, scarves and multiple shirts and socks are good options . Avoid clothing with bulky belts, buttons or seams in the back, and make sure to pull the layers tight. Consistently check for any exposed skin. Shirts and jackets have a tendency to roll up on the back of wheelchairs.
4. Try to have a family member help you do Range Of Motion exercises daily. Colder temperatures cause muscles to tighten up and stretching will not only help reduce spasms, but will get blood flowing to warm up your lower limbs.
5. Protect that skin! Apply Vaseline to the areas of your face that are not going to be covered. It acts as a moisture insulator and helps prevent your face from getting dry or chapped in the cold, dry air.
6. Wash your hands. Remember, it is flu season! Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product.
7. If you are going to be wheeling in rain, sleet or snow try to keep an extra pair of gloves with you so you can change them if the first pair gets wet.
8. Eat regularly. If you are going to a big dinner or Christmas Party, don't starve yourself all day in anticipation. You're in danger of arriving there feeling ravenous and eating everything in sight. Instead, have some low-fat, healthy snacks throughout the day. By doing this, you'll be less likely to over-indulge.
9. Use a smaller plate. Smaller plates mean smaller portions! So, you get to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation and not wind up being mistaken for Santa!
10. Most importantly, have fun! And, get ready to be AWEsome in 2012!
1. Just because you're out of town and can't go to the gym doesn't mean you can't work out. Think outside of the gift box. Get in your manual chair and push yourself around the mall while shopping for the perfect presents. Get some cardio in by doing punches from the chair. (This will also be helpful in case any Black Friday shoppers are still straggling around!)
2. Stay hydrated by consuming more water than usual. Your body actually uses more water in winter than in the summer because it takes a lot of energy to keep warm, and the heat generated to maintain a stable temperature uses up moisture. Avoid coffee and non-herbal tea as caffeine is dehydrating, and ditto with carbonated beverages like soda.
3. Keep warm by dressing in layers. Hats, scarves and multiple shirts and socks are good options . Avoid clothing with bulky belts, buttons or seams in the back, and make sure to pull the layers tight. Consistently check for any exposed skin. Shirts and jackets have a tendency to roll up on the back of wheelchairs.
4. Try to have a family member help you do Range Of Motion exercises daily. Colder temperatures cause muscles to tighten up and stretching will not only help reduce spasms, but will get blood flowing to warm up your lower limbs.
5. Protect that skin! Apply Vaseline to the areas of your face that are not going to be covered. It acts as a moisture insulator and helps prevent your face from getting dry or chapped in the cold, dry air.
6. Wash your hands. Remember, it is flu season! Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product.
7. If you are going to be wheeling in rain, sleet or snow try to keep an extra pair of gloves with you so you can change them if the first pair gets wet.
8. Eat regularly. If you are going to a big dinner or Christmas Party, don't starve yourself all day in anticipation. You're in danger of arriving there feeling ravenous and eating everything in sight. Instead, have some low-fat, healthy snacks throughout the day. By doing this, you'll be less likely to over-indulge.
9. Use a smaller plate. Smaller plates mean smaller portions! So, you get to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation and not wind up being mistaken for Santa!
10. Most importantly, have fun! And, get ready to be AWEsome in 2012!
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