Exercise Exercise Exercise!

It's holiday season again! Thanksgiving is a time of celebration for most people in America, and with that celebration comes a lot of delicious food. A lot of people ask how to eat healthier during the holiday season, and it's a good question! It's hard to navigate the pumpkin pies, the extra serving of turkey, or the creamy green bean casserole. It's also hard to give up or alter the food that means so much to us emotionally. But that doesn't mean your health has to be sacrificed for good taste.

Yes, there are ways to make traditional holiday food healthier, but if that's not your jam, this is my suggestion--exercise! Exercising can be forgotten about, especially for students who go home during the holidays. Simply not walking to classes every day can significantly decrease the amount of exercise you are getting. And while exercising will help your body burn extra calories consumed during the holidays it also has so many other benefits as well!

Exercising gives you energy, can help prevent certain diseases, puts you in a better mood, and decreases stress! All in addition to helping you manage your weight. Some simple ideas for incorporating more exercise into your day while away for the holidays are listed below:

• Walk the dog
• Park farther and walk more to get to the store
• Clean your car
• Play outside 
• Go for a short jog or walk 
• Go for a bike ride
• Find a local trail to hike
• Dance
• Do an exercise video if it's too cold outside
• Rake leaves

Come up with your own fun ideas for being more active! And involve friends and family so you have company and support during the season!