Healthy Bits Newsletter - December 2025
Finding Balance During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also bring stress, overindulgence, and disrupted routines. Maintaining your health during this time doesn’t mean giving up on the festivities. It means making mindful choices that allow you to enjoy the season while caring for your well-being.
One of the most important steps is making time for physical activity. With busy schedules and endless gatherings, exercise can easily be put on the back burner. But, staying active is essential for both physical and mental health.
Stress is another common challenge during the holidays. From planning events to shopping and managing expectations, it can feel overwhelming. Simple strategies such as practicing deep breathing, setting realistic goals, and scheduling moments of downtime can make a big difference. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to say no when you need to protect your well-being.
During the holiday season, people often consume more alcohol than usual, but moderation is key. Beyond its negative effects on health, alcohol can significantly disrupt sleep quality. Even if you get the desired number of hours, you’re unlikely to feel fully refreshed the next day. Holidays are a time where our bodies and minds are already overstimulated, prioritizing quality sleep is essential; aim for those restorative Zzzs!
Finally, focus on what truly matters; social connections. The holidays are about creating meaningful memories with family and friends. Engage in conversations, share laughter, and nurture relationships.
So, it’s about balance
Healthy holidays aren’t about restrictions. They’re about balance. By staying active, managing stress, drinking responsibly, and prioritizing relationships,
you can enjoy the season!
Did you know....
1- A short 10-minute walk after a big meal can help with digestion.
2- Sleep quality often suffers during the Holidays. Aim for consistent bedtimes to keep up the energy.
3- Taking deep breaths can lower stress.
4- Mindful eating, slowing down and focusing on each bite, can help prevent overeating.
Healthy Eats!
Italian Hot Dish
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups uncooked multigrain bow tie pasta (about 4 ounces)
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms, divided
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook and crumble beef with 1/2 cup mushrooms, onion and green pepper over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Stir in seasonings and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
Place pasta in an 8in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with meat sauce and remaining mushrooms. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
Bake, covered, 35 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes.
source: tasteofhome.com
