Stay Merry, Not Miserable
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and — let’s face it — temptation. From pumpkin pies to tamales, from mashed potatoes to festive drinks, it’s easy to overindulge and forget that moderation keeps us feeling our best. This year let’s create a Holiday Game Plan to protect our health without losing the fun.
Tame the Sugar
Holiday desserts and sweet drinks can send blood sugar levels soaring, leaving you feeling sluggish and hungry again. Swap sugary beverages for water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea. When baking, try cutting sugar by one-third — you’ll hardly notice the difference.
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, remember to check your glucose more often during the holidays. Keep healthy snacks on hand so you don’t arrive at parties hungry and overdo it at the buffet table.
Slash the Salt
Canned broths, gravies, sauces, and processed meats can add hundreds of milligrams of sodium to a single meal. Too much salt leads to water retention, bloating, and elevated blood pressure. Use herbs, citrus, garlic, and spices instead of the salt shaker.
Taste your food before seasoning — many times, the flavor is already perfect. Choose fresh or home-prepared dishes whenever possible to keep sodium levels in check.
Protect Your Sanity
Between gift shopping, hosting, travel, and family stress, it’s easy to forget that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and movement — even a short daily walk can help clear the mind and regulate stress hormones.
Set boundaries, delegate tasks, and remember: perfection is not the goal. Connection and gratitude are.
The Takeaway
Enjoy the holidays — just do it wisely. Small choices add up to big results. Eat mindfully, laugh often, and give yourself permission to rest.
Clinica Medica Familiar reminds you: Your health is a gift worth protecting all year long.
📞 Schedule your checkup today.
Clinica Medica Familiar Locations
Montebello: (323) 712-4811
Ontario: (909) 988-3288
Rialto: (909) 877-8868
