As we approach the holiday season, it’s important for us to maintain our health so that we can visit friends and relatives without that dreaded cough or cold. That means putting yourself first and making daily exercise and healthy eating a priory now. I’m all for having indulgences on occasion, like apple or pumpkin pie, but then it’s important to burn off those calories because they will catch up with you.
Each year the average person gains a few pounds over the holiday season. Let’s make sure that we don’t this season by doing a few simple things:
- Exercise a little bit longer and a little more intense every day starting today. Extend your typical workout a few minutes and add a bit more punch to your fitness moves.
- Eliminate fatty foods that have no nutritional value, like white bread, sweets, cupcakes, cookies, sodas, etc.… You’re less likely to feel guilty after a little more indulgence on Thanksgiving.
- Spend four minutes in meditation, or quiet contemplation every day. Relaxing your body and your mind will lower your blood pressure and allow you to get through the hectic holidays more peacefully. It will create balance and help with that feeling of being overwhelmed we sometimes experience during this time of year.
- Try something new. Step out of your comfort zone; engage your muscles doing something you normally don’t, like riding a bike, dancing or kickboxing. You just might like it!
Every year on Thanksgiving morning I teach a Zumba® fitness class. It’s one of the most-attended classes of the year because people want one more chance to burn calories before they indulge. If you’re near Jackson, Michigan on Thanksgiving morning, please come to the Zumba class at the YMCA I’m teaching with a few other instructors. I’ll sign a few copies of my new bestselling book, “4 Minutes a Day, Rock ’n Roll Your Way to HAPPY”. And the best part is that the proceeds go to charity! Remember to be a little selfish — make your health a priority so that you can be happier and healthier this holiday season.
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I have a sprained knee muscle and I don’t know if Ill be able to come on thanksgiving. Its killing me to not Zumba. It’s been a month now and I’m wondering if its more than a sprain. Might have to have an mri 🙁
I love your classes and Jennifer and Laura at the Y. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindi
Hi Cindi!
Sorry to hear about your injury. Best to get a doctor to check it out.
Hopefully it’s nothing & I’ll see you at the Y!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
LOVE your novel approach to the holidays! You’re not saying don’t enjoy them but to plan on enjoying them and offset it by doing extra! So simple yet I’ve never heard it. Love the book! And working on improving my health 4 minutes at a time. Keep up the great work. God Bless!
Yes! Exactly what I’m saying Tricia!!
And I’m super happy you like my book!
Thanks Shemane! We all like to be “naughty” during the holidays. Your tips are downright brilliant and easy! Have a super Thanksgiving!
Thank you!! Hope you do too!
Hi Shemane,
Thanks for sharing some of your knowledge on your site. I look forward to your emails every Friday. You and Ted (especially you) live such a healthy lifestyle, it inspires me to do more for myself – I’m 63.
Now I would like to return the favor and share something with you. My wife and I NEVER get colds or the flu. Of course we wash our hands frequently and use our heads, but the real secret (in our opinion) is eating honey every day from our bees. Local honey has many medicinal benefits, it has natural antibiotics, and it can cure some allergies to pollen and grasses. Besides that, it’s really fun to raise them and watch them come and go. If you have time, I think you and Ted would get a kick out of it since you are so “in tune with nature…”
Thanks again,
Larry
I’m a BIG believer in local honey!! Thanks for the kind words!