DEAR RED HOT MAMAS- DECEMBER 2016

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: December 8, 2016

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

The holidays are the one time of the year when you really want to feel your best. But, ’tis the season’ that many of us feel so stressed due to an overload of obligations;  we overindulge in food and alcohol; and, we don’t allow ourselves to get the exercise we need to stay healthy.

It’s essential for you to add a little wiggle room in your hectic schedule to take care of yourself.  Try to avoid stress and learn to relax.   A little self-indulgence is good for you.  And, do whatever it takes to help you stay calm.  It can make a tremendous impact on your health.

 It’s important to keep healthy snacks handy-fruits, nuts and vegetables available to you.  Try to say “no” to fattening foods.  And, make time to exercise.  Exercise decreases stress hormones and increases endorphins which help boost our mood.  It also helps us to lose weight and it may even increase our self-confidence.  If you stick to a routine like exercising for 15 minutes each morning, it will make a big difference in your energy levels, as well as tone your body, too.

Personally, I find shopping is a good way to stay active.  A quick trip to the mall, embarking on a marathon of walking has benefits not only to my mental health, but also to my physical health. It’s not just about standing and flipping through the racks of clothes at a retail store that you like.  It’s about the benefits derived from the hours of walking I do when I shop.  Yes, shopping is very mood lifting, and it gets those endorphins flowing in full swing.  Shopping from one department store to the next, and carrying bags actually is a good workout not only for your body, but also for your heart.

Physical activity has benefits in lowering not only our BMI’s, but also lowering your risk for becoming overweight or obesity.

For example, a 130-pound person, walking at a moderate pace burns 60 to 70 calories per half-hour or 120 to 140 calories per hour. For a 200-pound person, it burns 90 to 100 calories per half-hour or 180 to 200 calories per hour.

 You might want to burn off calories faster by parking further from the stores entrance.  Consider using the stairs at the mall instead of the escalator. So, take advantage of shopping as an opportunity to staying active.

It’s also important for you to take care of yourself on your all day shopping trips.  Be sure to stay hydrated.  Bring that bottle of water with you and drink at least 8 (8 ounce glasses) per day.   Don’t forget your feet.  Wear shoes that are cushioned and comfortable.  In your purse carry only the essentials.  Empty your purse of all those heavy things.  This will lighten the heaviness of your purse to prevent muscle soreness and back problems.

 Of course, shopping is by no means the only way of keeping active and exercising.  However, it does have benefits as it keeps us moving and burns off calories.

Here are some simple tips to keep your spending in check for the holidays include:

  • Make a shopping list.  Decide what you want before you head to the store.
  • Shop with coupons and use your rewards.  Some credit cards offer cash back or points programs which can be redeemed for those holiday presents.
  • Consider paying in cash.  This helps you stay within your budget.

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with friends, as well as, to spend time with family and loved ones.  Please remember that our team at Red Hot Mamas are your friends, you can simply connect with us not only during the holidays, but all year through.

We wish you a happy holiday season from the Red Hot Mamas.

Good Health to you all,

Karen Giblin

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