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Alison Housten

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Parents.com Healthy Holiday Wellness

Thanksgiving-recipes

Parents.com

The holidays are here!  How on earth did they sneak up so quickly?  Along with the cheer and fun, it is also important to keep health in mind during these really “tempting” times.  Parents.com and Aetna are here to help, with their Live smart program.

 

Parents-live-smart

 

The “Live Smart” page on Parents.com as well as the HealthyIs.Aetna.com site was created to encourage parents and families to recommit to their health and learn more about their health.  Today, many parents want to take health matters into their own hands and be able to make more informed decisions about health care and living healthier for the sake of their children.  Furthermore, they’re looking for ways to live healthier to help them drive down costs of medical expenses so they have money to use on more fun recreational activities with their kids.

Aetna wants to make sure they are providing helpful information to everyone, not just its members so (pretty nice, don’t you think?)  You can find an interactive poll sponsored by Aetna on  Live Smart page (or click image above) where, if you click on one of the answers it’ll take you to a downloadable guide with tips on healthier living as well as money-saving tips when it comes to health care.

You can learn about  Low/No cost options to keeping you moving, understanding good fitness basics and terminology, or my favorite – fitting exercise into a busy schedule.  Finding the time to exercise is always a big challenge for me, so these tips will come in really handy!

Keeping our kids healthy (along with our own health) just makes sense.  I think that we get so busy with the holiday festivities, that it is easy to forget the most important thing – health.  There are so many fun activities to do with children – but the key is to keep them active and moving.  There is a  wealth of information available on Parents.com, for ideas on keeping the whole family healthy.  You just might find some new family activities as well!

To celebrate Living Smart, Parents.com has so kindly offered a Healthy Holiday Wellness Prize Pack for one of my readers!

THE GIVEAWAY is now closed.

Thanksgiving-recipes

One (1) winner received a Healthy Holiday wellness package from Parents.com (over $125 ARV)!

Like Parents.com on Facebook and/or follow Parents Magazine on Twitter!

No purchase necessary. Open to residents of US.  ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address! Giveaway ends November 20th at 9:00 p.m. (PST).  I check all entries – cheating will not be tolerated.  Winner will be notified via email and needs to reply within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen. Please make sure you check your spam folder – I will not be responsible if you did not receive winning email notification. Winners name(s) will also be posted on Winners List immediately after drawing has occurred. Winners will be chosen using the “And the Winner is” plugin.  Screenshots of winners available by request.  **By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules. Sponsor reserves the right to limit one prize per person/household (of this item/prize pack). Please allow 6-8 weeks for deliver of prize {though it is usually much sooner}. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Please see Eighty MPH Mom giveaway rules for further information.

*I will be receiving the same prize pack from Parents.com for sharing this information.

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897 Responses

  1. my motivation are my kids because I was in the hospital for a few weeks and it made me reevaluate alot of things esp with my family history of diabetes, cancer, etc and I want to be here for all of them for a long time
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  23. Splurge freely at the meal. No splurging during meal prep and subsequent leftover meals. In other words, control your addiction to one episode!

  28. I find that by drinking plenty of water, especially before going out, I can better control what I eat.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  40. My motivation to staying healthy is that I don’t want to gain any more weight, and my secret to doing this is I eat small portions and limit my desserts.

  57. My main motivation for staying healthy during the holidays is anticipating how much regret and disappointment I’d feel starting off the new year having put on weight! My secret to staying fit would have to be sneaking off to the treadmill and exercise bike as much as I can, especially when I’ve indulged in holiday treats or a big meal, to help stave off the pounds and enjoy the great food free of guilt.

  78. I’ve lost 110# in the last year, so that will motivate me to stay healthy this holiday! It was way more difficult than I thought it would be, and I’m not about to unwind all that hard work… not even for eggnog!!

  83. I entered my mandatory entry first but it didn’t show so I’ll do it again…

    I get lots of sleep during the holidays
    luckyseattlemom at gmail dot com

  86. I try to pace myself so I don’t get overwhelmed, get good nutrition, exercise and stay hydrated. Also, I avoid crowds as much as possible.

  99. Last year I gained twenty pounds during the holidays. Being able to lose it was a chore. That alone is motivation not to gain weight during the winter season and holidays this year. I exercise more and make sure not to get complacent just because I’m not able to do active things outdoors like I am in the other seasons. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

  103. It is hard to stay motivated during the holidays! We at least try to walk a lot, go to the park, and try to stay moving.

  107. Luckily it stays somewhat warm in the South so I can still walk daily. Trying to drink lots of water and not snacking during prep time helps too.
    Thanks!
    Michelle W.

  110. I stay motivated by enjoying time with my kids knowing the decisions I make today affect everyone!

  140. My motivation for staying healthy this holiday is that there are tons of family events and i want to participate in them

  141. My secret is portion control. I know I will have a hard time saying no so I allow myself just a little so I don’t binge. Thanks!

  150. I don’t feel like I over indulge that much during the holidays. Maybe I eat a few more sweets than I normally would. No parties to go to… Yet anyway. So now worries of eating too much at those.

  157. My motivation is that since I have a chronic illness I can get sick much more easily and I’ve spent way too much time in hospitals as it is! So I work really hard to keep myself and my family as healthy as possible especially in the winter — so we get our flu shots, wash our hands a lot, etc.

  158. My motivation is to stay in my clothes. My secret is to keep a small dress on my wall so I can look at it every day.

  166. My motivation for staying on track with eating and exercising during the holidays is I know how disappointed I will be if I gain weight over the holidays.
    blue65829 at aol dot com

  171. “I follow this blog publicly via google friend connect
    Yidi Turman yidijia(at)gmail(dot)com”

  174. My tip is to cut out on junk food, eat for energy and take vitamins. Stay healthy and less stressed

  188. You have to keep the mentality that you can indulge every once and awhile, but in order to make up for that, make healthy decisions throughout the week. Someone said something the other day that stuck with me: “I need to quit eating every meal like it’s my last” – that’s so true – that pizza will still be there when you can afford the calories!

  194. My tip for staying healthy during the holiday season is portion control and don’t skip on your exercise schedule.

  202. Due to my health it’s very important for me to eat healthy, so I cook healthy and buy limited amounts of junk food, out of sight out of mind.

  222. My motivation is to remember that there is no reason to stuff myself on Thanksgiving. I take a little of what I want.

  225. My motivation is that I feel better in that post holiday lag if I stay in shape through the holidays! jinglesells at gmail dot com

  234. I try and stay active as much as possible during the holidays, if it’s too cold outside we do yoga as a family or have a dance party with fun music 🙂

  251. My secret for staying healthy is regular walks with my children so they can enjoy the change in season

  252. Just got out of the hospital yesterday after some chest pressure and testing. Everything is good. Just because it is the holidays doesn’t mean you have an excuse to give up on exercise and healthful eating. You need to eat those tempting items within reason.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  271. Be sure to get plenty of rest and don’t stress out about having everything “perfect”.
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

  276. My tip for staying healthier during the holidays is to offer to bring appetizers… and then make veggie and fruit trays, and skip the chips and dips! Motivation? Heck, I want to live as long as my mom and be as healthy as she is!

  286. I drink more water, exercise more, and a few other things. I take a look at all of the food options before I put anything on my plate. Then, I decide what I really like and take a little tiny bit of each of those. My favorite dessert is Pumpkin pie. To save calories, I eat only the pumpkin part of the pie and I toss the crust.
    sweetpeonies07 at gmail

  287. the cold weather motivates me to exercise because I know that I will feel warmer once I start moving about.

  292. I try not to buy too much crap or sweets around for the holidays. Then I’m not as tempted to eat it.

  304. My motivation is that I don’t want to gain weight and be unhealthy. I try to take frequent walks and I keep a lot of fresh fruit on hand to snack on.

  306. I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes so that really is my motivation. Keep the carbs and sugar low and keep walking!

  307. my motivation for staying healthy during the holidays is that there is enough fun to be had without overindulging in food. it’s important to stay on track with good health all throughout the year

  312. My tip for staying healthy would be to dink lots of water, exercise daily and watch your portions if possible!

  324. I got really sick a couple of years ago, and it was horrible. I think that motivates me to take care of myself.

  338. My motivation is to finally get my immune system back up and running. It seems like every week I’m getting sick.
    magickalblessings26{at}yahoo.com

  344. My motivation is to avoid having to buy new clothes and spend unnecessary money and deal with mall crowds 🙂

  352. I take time each day to meditate and reflect on my own personal journey. It recharges my batteries!!

  371. My secret to staying healthy during the holidays is to take a break each day from all the holiday chaos and take a quick brisk walk, just for myself

  389. I try to make sure I don’t give in to all of the delicious, fattening foods. I make sure we have healthy alternatives such as vegetable trays and I drink plenty of water which fills me up.

  403. My motivation for staying healthy during the holidays is that I want to enjoy the holidays and being sick is not something I enjoy.

  407. My Motivation is to take care of myself and my family so that their immune systems are always at their strongest to fight off illnesses and help their over all health.

  418. Get plenty of rest, don’t over do it and don’t over indulge during the holidays. Thank you!!

  425. My motivation for staying healthy this holiday is that I am getting married in February and I want to maintain my weight and feel good going into the New Year.

  430. With all of the Holiday excitement my kids can get run down very easily. I just try to stick to our regular schedule as much as possible, for all of us-Nap, and bed times. Getting outdoors as much as the weather will allow. Eating regular meals, without too much indulging of the goodies that are so plentiful!

  443. I travel for the holidays, plus I spend a lot of time with elderly parents. It’s important that I stay healthy so my driving ability isn’t impaired and so that I do not pass along any cold or flu.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  446. my previous comment should have stated -i follow Parents Magazine on twitter – js22222222 .

    i follow @EightyMPHMom on twitter – js22222222 .

  464. My family and I play outside as much as possible and we try and eat healthy as much as we can.

  466. I just try and be active a little each day, eat in moderation and make sure I get enough sleep.

  471. My motivation for staying healthy is my family. I enjoy things in moderation and don’t indulge. Plus, I continue to exercise during the holidays. I plan on being around for many years to make memories and watch my children and grandchildren grow.

  480. My secrets to staying healthy during the holidays is getting plenty of rest and exercise. Both of these help me to reduce stress, stay less frazzled and enjoy the holidays.

  493. What a great contest! My tip would be to definitely drink a full glass of water before going to all the holiday parties! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!

  495. I try to continue to walk everyday..weather permitting and if not, then I get on the treadmill. I also try to eat well rounded meals at home so I kow I can indulge a little at all the holiday parties.

  525. My motivation to stay healthy during the holidays is so I have enough energy for all the visiting and activities. . .and do stay healthy I try to avoid sugar, and wash my hands a lot to avoid a cold

  536. My motivation during the holidays is to just keep thinking how well I’ve done and threatening myself with how much jogging I’ll have to do if I take a second piece of pie.

  552. The easiest way for me, is dont show up to gatherings on time. lol seriously. if you show up atleast 45 minutes late, there isnt as much food left, so that way I dont overindulge.It always works for me.
    Thanks for the chance.
    jessycafoster@hotmail.com

  562. My motivation to stay healthy is that I want to be able to fully enjoy my son’s winter break from college.

  576. Have a big glass of water and a piece or two of fresh fruit before hitting a family gathering or party. That will cut down on the amount of junk you are tempted to eat.

  585. I’m motivated to eat healthy during the holidays so I don’t gain a crazy amount of weight!

  591. My motivation is my Mom. She passed 5 yrs ago from complication of type 2 diabetes. I do not want to go down that road.

  593. dont over due it on all the goodies .. cake cookies and candy fill our house during the holidays .. and i have to make sure me and the kids dont go over board.. me and the kids do yoga on the weekend with them and they love it..

    dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com

  596. During the holidays I cook the normal sides such as sweet potato casserole and dressing and pies but also serve foods such as steamed veggies, salads and cranberry fruit gelatin.

    That way I am able to take a small bite of the heavier sides that I love. But can fill up on the better for me sides and desserts.
    I also walk and extra mile per day during the holidays.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  605. I’m motivated by the fact that there’s too much to do to get sick, so I make sure to get exercise, relaxation, sleep and plenty of water.

  608. Going to try to exercise a little everyday and not eat too many sweets!
    cathyguitarteacher-77 at yahoo dot com

  620. i always eat something before i go out so i dont pig out and ruin my summer diet. i also carry hand sanitizer. holiday parties breed germs in my family. ick.

  625. I try to exercise more and try to only over do on a few things
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

  635. I’d have to say watch the saturated fats and your caloric intake as well as foods that contain a lot of cholesterol in them

  639. I’m very careful of my health during the holidays because otherwise I won’t be able to get out of bed. I hate having people over when I’m stuck in bed so would end up spending them alone again.

  658. This might sound silly, but you know when holiday season rolls around and things get crazy-busy? Well, if I find that I don’t have the energy to keep up and keep moving, and enjoy the time with family, that I’m not doing right by me and keeping on top of my fitness and healthy-eating goals. (For example, if climbing the stairs gets me winded, I know I’ve been spending too much time around the table and not enough time exercising.) So I just do my best to stay on track, that way I get to enjoy all festivities to the fullest.

  664. I eat light for the week before a holiday party or celebration so that I won’t feel bad about pigging out that day! Life’s too short to deny a little bit of good food.

  668. My motivation to staying healthy during the holidays is simply to feel good. I find my mood and my health are directly connected, and no food is worth not feeling well. Fortunately, there are a lot of foods that I can treat myself with, without a reaction.

  676. i try to stay healthy over the holidays by washing my hands frequently when around family and friends

  677. I stay motivated to stay healthy during the holidays by remembering that I want to look hot on New Year’s Eve! It’s kind of easy, I just drink Slim Fast shakes for breakfast and dinner and enjoy my holiday lunches!

  691. It may sound shallow, but my sole motivation for staying healthy is so that I can look my best. I stay healthy by making sure to schedule time for exercise ever during the busy holiday season.

    3oink63moo484@gmail.com

  694. My secret to staying healthy during the Holidays is not to deny myself eating the special Holiday things I enjoy but make sure I’m using portion control. If I try to deny myself these once a year treats I end up feeling bad and sometimes overindulge.
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

  701. Just because it is the holidays does not mean that you have to eat junk and pig out on it. The main things is to still eat sensibly.

  702. I enjoy myself and relax ON the holiday (key word DAY), and just keep active/eating healthy the rest of the time.

  717. I try to keep us from overeating too many of the yummy cookies. I keep them in the freezer or out in the garage. Out of site, out of mind.

  722. My motivations is to keep healthy, cut fats, excersize more prior to holidays…. SO I CAN INDULDGE! on the days where food is plentiful!

  725. Don’t drop your exercise routine during the holidays. It’s tempting, because things are so hectic, but it will make a difference in energy level and help you manage those inevitable extra holiday meal pounds. 🙂

  736. I try to make sure I take care of myself during this hectic time. I eat but don’t overindulge. And I try my hardest to get in my daily walk.

  743. Doing my cardio workouts and following my eating plan keeps me healthy during the holidays.
    Thank you.

  759. My motivation for staying or getting healthier I should say; is to be able to do what I want to do when I want to to do it.

  764. my motivation to stay healthy is to live a life is to try to be free of pain by drinking more water and loading on veggies

  768. My motivation is my son. I want to stay healthy for him. My parents are both gone and I know how hard it is to be without your parents. So I am trying!

  772. We go out for family walks after dinner during the holidays. It helps keep us healthy and gives us all a chance to catch up

  786. Well, I got sick of my New Year’s Resolution being to be healthier & lose that extra pudge, so I just make sure to stay conscious of my cooking & eating throughout the holiday season…hard at times with all the yumminess, but I’ve done well! 🙂

  858. My motivation to eat healthy is that I’m borderline diabetic so I really have to watch my sugar intake. I allow myself a little bit of each food and after dinner I go for a walk.

  870. My greatest motivation to stay healthy during the holidays is to look great at those holiday parties! I hate the holiday weight gain, so I try to only sample small bites of the indulgent holiday treats so I’ll still get a taste without going overboard and binging.

  873. Thanks for the giveaway…motivations ? Self-esteem, and being an example to my kids of a healthy lifestyle. During the various holiday “feeding trough” opportunities I follow the path of moderation…one serving…and maybe an extra dessert !

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

  880. Even though the days are a littlw busier then usual this time of the year I still hard to keep up with my regular workout routine.

  891. My motivation is the fact that my clothes are already almost too tight! Plus, my goal is to lose 34 pounds before my 34th birthday, which is in mid-March. No need to gain more weight during the holiday season; that will just make it even harder to lose!

ABOUT AUTHOR
Eighty Mph Mom
Lyric Spencer

I’m all about sharing great products, recipes, home decor, and parenting hacks for busy moms.

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