In Puerto Rico we look forward to the holiday season. Culturally, it is the most important celebration of the year: we share with family and friends, enjoy our typical dishes, sing and dance. Let’s take advantage of these festivities to work on our integral health!
Mental, emotional and spiritual health:
- Surround yourself with people who bring you joy. Healthy conversation and sharing give us well-being, a sense of belonging and purpose in life.
- Try new recipes and make them as a family. Teaching the little ones to cook creates memories and strengthens bonds.
- Take back the Christmas songs and our typical music. Dance as much as you can and share our tradition with the new generations!
- If some belief, religion, spiritual practice or meditation contribute positively to your life, this is a good time to pick it up again.
Physical health and nutrition:
- Stay active during the holidays to help manage that extra calorie intake:
- Dance at the celebrations and practice our traditional steps with your family.
- Organize active family games; you can find many ideas on the net.
- Avoid sitting for more than 15 minutes: walk, move and stretch your body.
- Enjoy our typical dishes in moderation. Remember these nutrition tips:
- Avoid soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, especially those with high sugar content.
- Adjust your holiday recipes with calorie-free sugar substitutes.
- Reduce fat by using non-stick products instead of oils.
- Protect yourself from temperature changes. Although we live in a tropical climate, some villages and rural areas feel colder. If you travel outside of Puerto Rico, don’t forget your coat, gloves and scarf.
- If you have any chronic health conditions, keep your medication up to date. Remember that many pharmacies and medical offices have special hours
