By Mrs. Qula Madkin, MSU Extension Service
Don’t put your health and fitness goals on the backburner this holiday season just because you’re traveling. There are plenty of ways to practice wellness and keep your family and yourself on track. Here are a few tips that work for me:
Keep snack combos handy. Look for snacks with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Why? This will keep your blood sugar stable and prevent cravings.
Avoid sitting for extended periods if possible. Try to walk and stretch every two hours. This will benefit your health in more ways than one.
Drink water instead of sugary drinks and be mindful of alcohol intake. Dehydration is thought to only happen in the summer, but dehydration can occur at any time of the year.
Before you go:
Clean produce. Rinse all fresh produce under running water before packing it in a cooler.
Keep cold food cold.
Keep hot food hot.
Don’t forget hand sanitizer.
Pack healthy, nonperishable snacks and snack combos. Here is a good starting point:
Popped popcorn (homemade or light butter)
Fruit/berries and hard-boiled eggs
Fruit (apples/bananas) and nut butter (try the squeeze packs)
Turkey and cheese
Fruit squeezes
Cheese and whole grain crackers
Turkey sticks and apples
Jerky
Hummus (individual packs)
Protein drinks
Pre-cut veggies, like celery, carrots, and bell pepper
Dried fruit and nuts or seeds
Trail mix
Snack bars. Find ones low in added sugar.
Fruit cups or applesauce
Greek yogurt
Protein bars. Look for ones that contain real food, like almonds, egg whites, fruit, etc.
Bottom line: Holiday travel may get you a little out of your routine, so focus on moving more, sitting less, enjoying yourself, and having a joyous holiday season.
For more helpful tips like these and healthy recipe options, visit extension.msstate.edu and join our MSU Nutrition and Wellness FB group.