Ordinary Life

by Kristin M. Lesney

Have Yourself A Healthy Holiday With Parents.com #HealthyHolidays {Giveaway}

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Giveaways

Tis’ the season, we’re not only getting ready to decorate trees but also fight away the bugs that come around this time of year. 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.

Additionally, Aetna wanted to make sure parents everywhere are providing helpful information to everyone, not just its members so you’ll find an interactive poll sponsored by Aetna on the right side of the Live Smart page 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.
Here are some links to help you stay healthy this holiday:

To get ready for the holidays Parents.com wanted to give away one Healthy Holiday Package.  Share your own motivations and secrets to staying healthy during the holidays for a chance to win a “Healthy Holiday” wellness package, compliments of Parents.com. The package comes with a pedometer, a $100 Visa gift card, an assortment of Yogi Tea and a beautiful Thanksgiving cookbook from Williams-Sonoma (over $125 value!)

Follow These Rules For Entry:

  • To enter, tell me about your healthy holiday tips. How do you stay motivated and healthy during this busy time of year?

Extra Entry Methods:

  • BLOG ABOUT IT!!! 5 entries.
  • Grab my banner (shoot me an email I’m willing to exchange banners) 1 entry.
  • SUBSCRIBE: (located home page, right hand side) 2 entries.
  • Gain an extra entry by tweeting and following me on twitter, becoming a Google follower, and also by sharing this giveaway on Facebook. Let me know in a comment if you can.
  • Tweet once a day for an extra entry.
  • Like Our Ordinary Life on Facebook
  • ReTweet this post using the button for 3 entries.
  • Remember: List this giveaway on any contest site for 3 entries.
  • You can always leave a comment on any non-giveaway post. (1 extra entry per post commented on. just go to “home” posts are up front, please comment on all new posts and leave your extra entry comment)

Giveaway ends Nov. 31st

I also received a prize pack from Parents.com

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Comments

  7. Well, that feels a bit impossible right now being pregnant but I since I’m constantly craving fruit and salad it makes it much easier to stay healthy! 🙂

  22. It’s hard staying healthy during this time of year, but moderation when it comes to goodies is what I try to do.

  23. I stay motivated and healthy this time of the year by hopping on my stationary bike every morning. It gives me more energy to get thru the hectic days leading up to Christmas and I feel less guilty about indulging in some extra seasonal treats.

    longbarb1@aol.com

  27. I don’t always stay healthy at the holidays, unfortunately, The key for me is to make sure I am eating well and working out all throughout the year. The more consistent I am through summer and fall, the more likely I will be to keep it up when the holidays (and cooler weather) roll around. This year I’ve done a lot of running, which really helps burn calories and allows me to cheat a little around the holidays without gaining weight.

    Frequent handwashing and getting lots of sleep are also essential to holiday health.

  28. Very hard to stay healthy and motivated, but I figure if I do my best during the week then I’m allowed to indulge at least a little bit during the holidays, as long as I don’t go over board!

  37. Even though the weather’s colder, we like to take walks in the woods or at the zoo as a family.

    beckytag618 at gmail dot com

  39. I take brisk, early morning walks through my neighborhood. It gives me a chance to peek at all the lovely, enchanted Christmas decor my neighbors and local merchants have erected. Puts a smile on my face each day! ♥

  40. I stay motivated by not stopping to think, haha….I stay healthy with healthy snacks for on the go

  51. I try to stay motivated & healthy during the holiday season by looking up healthier recipes online !
    Try to focus on Food like (Yams) instead of sweets.

  53. I like Our Ordinary Life on Facebook.

    Sweepytk at hotmail dot com

  55. I basically remind myself not to get out of control with the great Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. I also eat a lot of spicy foods. I usually always add freshly sliced jalapenos to my meals which I’ve heard raises metabolism. 🙂

    Sweepytk at hotmail dot com

  63. I have been drinking a glass of water 30 mins before each meal… it seems to fill me up more and therefore I do not eat as much… its helped a lot!

  72. We focus on drinking lots of water and making veggies the focal point of meals. We also allow ourselves to indulge on the DAY that we celebrate a holiday, but go back to our usual routine after that.

  79. Thanks for the giveaway…we take our holidays meals / drink in moderation, and as winter arrives we do not slack off on our daily exercise !

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

  82. I try to stay healthy by having healthy sweet foods around..example persimmon pudding, sweet potato yum yum..fruit salads etc..they satisfy my cravings but are very healthy

  83. I’ve been finding lots of vegetable recipes so we eat more of them! Been quite a success so far. The variety really helps.

  84. I try to watch my portions. That way I can still enjoy all the delicious holiday foods, but just eat a bit of each instead of gobs and gobs like I am sometimes tempted to do.

  89. I try to stay healthy by telling myself that everything is okay in moderation and while these special meals are great it should be about family, not food. I also wait until everyone else gets their food, then I go for mine. Once things have been picked over they somehow seem less appealing.

  90. I am not sure if I do too good of a job!!! lol
    I like this time of year though

  95. To keep me motivated I love to think of the friends and family coming over, and how we will have a good time!

  99. I try to keep portion control to my meals during the holidays, it is a lot harder. I found out if you send a leftover plate with others it is less that you will eat.
    sweokgrl@gmail.com

  102. Christmas music and healthy food! Lot’s of soup!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

  104. Eat healthy foods, stay active and get plenty of rest during the busy holiday season and be happy. Thanks for having the contest!

  106. We stay healthy by watching how many treats we eat. There is some healthy, yummy Christmas food too 😉 But I will workout to burn off that cheesecake 😉

  107. I get up earlier to make time for exercise during this busy time of year

  111. Staying busy helps me stay fit during the holidays! If I can keep myself occupied with cooking, I find that I’m less apt to over-eating and if I’m helping with the clean-up after -instead of sitting around in hibernation mode, which is so tempting- I come off of my holiday vacation feeling healthy and happy!! Oh, and I try not to heat the turkey, ham, and/or chicken skin or fat. Though that’s often the tastiest part, it’s terrible for you and contributes to the holiday poundage and pudge!

  112. i just eat things in moderation and it works pretty good,then i can still eat all the yummy stuff
    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

  114. I stay motivated by thinking about how much better it feels to stay healthy and keep up with my exercise routine.

  119. I eat all those not so good for you treats in moderation and add a little extra time to my walking and excercise times. I also try to add a little more good tadting healthy foods to my holiday menus as well

  122. I stay healthy and motivated by working out and indulging in sweets! This time of year is made for diet cheating!

  132. I stay motivated because I feel better when I am active and eat healthy. I try not to get too carried away with all the pre-holiday goodies then give myself a break so that I can really enjoy everything on Christmas.

  136. Healthy Holiday tip is to keep active. Try to go for a walk everyday and add in a bike ride when you can. Also keep drinking adult beverages to a minimum.

    diane dot wortman at gmail dot com

  137. I like you on Facebook as Debbi Otto Wellenstein.

    dwellenstein at cox dot net

  138. I am an email subscriber. #2

    dwellenstein at cox dot net

  139. I am an email subscriber. #1

    dwellenstein at cox dot net

  140. I like Caillou on Facebook as Debbi Otto Wellenstein.

    dwellenstein at cox dot net

  141. During the holidays, we make it a point to eat at home, where I can control what we eat!

    dwellenstein at cox dot net

  144. I normally diet this time of year to avoid gaining weight because during the winter months even without Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners you are prone to gain weight due to the weather.

  145. I dont deprive myself of anything to eat for the holidays, but I get right back on track with my workout regimen and never gain a pound. 🙂 Also drinking lots of water helps too! 🙂

  147. I lost 100 pounds 2 years ago so the holidays are a time I stay very vigilant 🙂 I keep up the exersize, keep weighing myself so that I catch any gaining right away, and make sure I am on top of portion controll (though I alow myself the few cheat days like thanksgiving and Christmas I do not go all out like I would have three years ago).

  164. I keep going this time of year by making sure that I take some time out for myself.

  168. I try to get plenty of rest, I try not to overdo everything and I don’t over indulge. It’s tempting with all those holiday sweets. lol Thank you!!

  172. I stay healthy by keeping the fridge stocked with easy to grab and snack on produce.

  176. If we go out we try to eat healthy so we don’t over eat while out at a party.

  182. MY healthy tips include putting out healthy appetizers, making healthy snack choices, and knowing when I am full at dinner!

  189. I don’t have all that great of tips for having a healthy holiday, but I guess you probably should eat a full meal before going to holiday parties where you know there is going to be a lot of unhealthy food to nosh on. Also, don’t completely give up on any diets before and after parties just because you know you aren’t going to follow the diet AT the party itself.

  203. I “Like” the Official Caillou Facebook page
    s8r8l33 at yahoo dot com

  204. I watch what I make to eat. I try to limit the junk food in the house.
    s8r8l33 at yahoo dot com

  208. I watch my ‘sampling’ in the kitchen this time of year (boy, I have to!) and I make sure the kids are getting balanced meals at every meal, despite the many options avail. to them this time of year that would make it easy to skimp on being careful in that area.

  216. I eat everything in small portions to make sure I stay in shape.
    katiekateoo7(at)gmail(dot)com

  227. subscribe to you via email with ardy22 at earthlink dot net 2

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

  229. subscribe to you via email with ardy22 at earthlink dot net 1

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

  241. I try to keep portions of food rather small when eating. ALso try to exercise at least twice a week despite being so busy

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

  242. I “Like” the Official Caillou Facebook page. 🙂 (Jaque Richards)

  243. I always have fresh vegies on hand and we never forget our vitamins….plus, the holidays are just invigorating! 🙂 Thank you.

  250. We walk the malls very quickly twice a week and exercise during my lunch hour!

  251. I move around more and remind myself to treat myself now and then with a small yummy goodnes not everydat and not too much:)

  256. I stay motivated and healthy by trying to exercise almost every day. I find I indulge a bit less, but I still feel like I can enjoy all the holiday treats.

  260. I try to regularly exercise and keep good tasting healthy food around to snack on.

  266. I start scheduling exercise in my calendar as an appointment…I’m much more likely to come up with excuses to skip it during the holidays if I don’t.

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

  274. I watch what I eat and try to still exercise at least 3 times a week, thanks

  281. I usually buy new workout videos so I don’t get bored exercising inside.

  288. I stay motivated by not depriving myself of small tastes of what I want…….and when possible substituting. It is funny but I am ok with skipping pumpkin pie and having a small chi tea!

  289. I do my best to take small portions so I don’t overeat. And try not to munch mindlessly on whatever food is around.

  298. I drink lots of water, which helps to keep me hydrated. Since we live in FL and it’s not too cold, we can still take walks at night. And we still try to eat lots of veggies and not a lot of dessert.

  302. I make sure to do some kind of physical activity with my son each afternoon even if it’s just playing wii!

    pkbw28(at)gmail(dot)com

  303. Zoomba classes a couple of nights a week and plenty of fruits and veggies.

  304. Make sure the refrig is stocked with healthful options ready to eat. i.e. cut up veggies, low fat cheese, fruits. It is nice to have something at HAND when you have an attack of the munchies.

  314. I stay healthy by keeping up my exercise thru the holidays. I stay motivated to do that by thinking about having something that will fit to wear to holiday parties.

    3oink63moo484@gmail.com

  322. I’m a Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  323. I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  324. I’m an email subscriber, coriwestphal at msn dot com.
    Entry 2

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  325. I’m an email subscriber, coriwestphal at msn dot com.
    Entry 1

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  326. I have your main button in my left sidebar:

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  327. I like you on Facebook: Cori Eckstrom Westphal (facebook.com/coriwestphal)

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  328. I like Our Ordinary Life on Facebook as Lyndsey Rullman.

    lyndsey.rullman at hotmail dot com

  329. I like to buy my Christmas outfit sometime in October. That way I stay motivated to fit into it at Christmas!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  331. I am following you via Twitter as lyndsey1stunna

    lyndsey.rullman at hotmail dot com

  335. I like Caillou on FB as Lyndsey Rullman.

    lyndsey.rullman at hotmail dot com

  336. I stay away from that “comfort food”.

    lyndsey.rullman at hotmail dot com

  338. I take multi vitamins all year long and try to relax and not complicate making the family dinner.

  343. I enlist the help of my parents, my brother and sister to help out with my kids during the holidays.

  344. 2. I am already an email subscriber. 🙂
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  345. 1. I am already an email subscriber. 🙂
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  346. I “like” you on Facebook (Katharina Ess)
    angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  347. I “like” Caillou on Facebook (Katharina Ess)
    angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  348. My best tip is that I remember constantly how I’d feel mentally the next day if I ate too much or skipped exercise, etc. I stay motivated by focusing on our upcoming long road trip in March and the new clothing I want to buy for it. 🙂
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  356. Eating right is hard during the holidays! I bake a lot of goodies for friends and family for Christmas. Normally I eat my share and more! I can’t resist! But I do daily walks with my daughters. We live close to a park and their I can play and burn off some chocolate calories! Thanks for the giveaway!

  366. I gained 3 pounds this thankgiving….but…..I’m motivated to loose it so that I don’t look bad for christmas. So…appearances. I am motivated by appearances. 🙂

    asmccaslin(at)gmail(d0t)com

  376. I’m not very good at will power over the holidays…just try to eat a little less.

  385. I park far away from the stores just so i can walk always use the staires when i can, always keep a schedule

  394. During the Holiday season there is a lot of running around and things to get finished up. To stay healthy I try to get enough rest, and sleep to stay healthy and have the energy for the things that need to get done. I make sure if I am out all day to take a quick healthy snack with me, so I won’t be tempted to grab fast food. SweepsGirl@aol.com

  399. During the holidays I make sure there are healthy snacks within easy reach, such as, bowls of fruits and nuts in the shell. They are festive looking and cut down on the cookie, cake and candy snacking…though there is some of that too. paglossian at mail dot com

  400. I use holidays as pig-out reward days – if I eat healthy the rest of the month then I can eat whatever I want holiday get togethers! 😉

  402. I follow your blog on Google Friend Connect/Blogger. (Debbie C)

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

  403. @chrisdeglen Tweeted –

    twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/141421163338416128

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
    #3

  404. @chrisdeglen Tweeted –

    twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/141421163338416128

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
    #2

  405. @chrisdeglen Tweeted –

    twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/141421163338416128

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

  406. It’s hard to always eat healthy during the holidays so I just allow myself to indulge on the big days but make myself eat veggies and fruits on most other days to compensate.

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

  408. My best tip is to try to get enough rest and keep my stress level manageable. It seems to help me stay well. wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com

  426. I exercise 3 times a week either at the gym or in my basement.

  432. Following via GFC
    (ANGELACISCO79)
    angelacisco79 (at)yahoo(dot)com

  433. I try to make sure that I get plenty of rest,and eat a healthy balanced meal. It doesn’t always work out that way, but I do try.

  434. I try to do it all year long – make everything you do help your body: walk fast everywhere, take the stairs, dance while cleaning the house. This time of year, take one bite of all the luscious treats and then you get to taste them all but don’t pig out.

  436. I find that if I eat healthy meals and exercise I can keep up with my holiday schedule…if I don’t I just get pooped and need to revive my energy with some good old fashion veggie power. It comes down to survival.

  437. This may sound a little silly, but we put up a few pictures on our bathroom mirror of us in our bathing suits to remind us that summer will be back before we know it. Definitely helps to remind us to eat heathly and maintain our fitness.

  444. I like the Caillou Facebook page: tesa shelton
    tesashel225 at aol dot com

  457. I just try to keep up with exercise to balance all the sweet treats I eat.

  459. I stay healthy during the holidays by drinking lots of water, taking vitamin c, and portioning sweets.

  464. We stay healthy this time of year by eating right and sticking to our fitness goals.

  471. I stay healthier by adjusting recipes to cook lighter. I also try to keep on a schedule so I don’t get run down.

  483. I signed up for my first half-marathon, which will be January 7. So that definitely helps keep me motivated to keep up with my training and to keep eating healthy over the holidays.

  486. By drinking plenty of water and not overindulging at all the holiday meals

  513. i try to stay motivated and healthy by running or walking one mile everyday. That seems to keep everything in check.

  514. usually too busy to think about it, not enough hours in the day! but try go get enough sleep

  516. I make sure I get some exercise daily and try not to overindulge on the alcohol.
    nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

  520. I get ample rest and exercise consistently to stay mtivated during the holidays, which are always a hectic time. My favorite healthy holiday recipe is pickled beets.

  548. I walk 2 miles a day and I am careful about not eating too much at holiday parties. I do indulge a little bit but I don’t over do it. That is my best tip it takes sheer determination but it can be done and you can still enjoy good food, just not too much.

  551. I stay healthy by having healthy food out like veggies and fruit and cut up on the counter and in the fridge…….

  553. I try to have healthy options on the table and get more walking in
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

  560. To stay healthy at this really hectic time of year I try to make sure my family gets enough sleep, eats healthy meals, washes hands often to cut down chance of getting the flu, drink lots of water and breathe deeply to relax helps us to get through with all the holiday preparations. 🙂

  561. To stay healthy and energetic this time of year, I forego the junk food and inhale my vitamins.

  571. Stick to the regular schedule. Keep strict limits on splurges.

    ky2here at msn dot com

  589. It is so easy to nibble during the holidays, when there are often way too many ‘bad’ snacking foods around. Be sure to make certain you continue to have things like baby carrots, celery, nuts, available for snacking.

  601. I give myself permission to indulge on the holidays, but get right back on the treadmill the next day.

  603. I stay healthy by filling up on fruits and veggies so I don’t overdo it with the pie!

  619. I try to stay active. I walk everyday inside or out depending on the weather. I try very hard to eat right at home because of all the eating out opportunities during the holidays.

  625. As far as eating during the Holidays, I try to eat a small portion of anything I want, I don’t deprive myself. Remind yourself, it’s ok to indulge, you just can’t over indulge

  634. drink plenty of water and watch empty calorie consumption. hold off on the soft drinks.

  636. since i love holiday foods and gatherings, i try to eat in moderation

  641. Right now its easy to stay motivated and healthy through the holidays by eating right portions and exercising. I am getting married in Feb so that is good motivation.

  645. I Like Our Ordinary Life on Facebook

    lola_violets_2010[at]yahoo[dot]com

  649. I always have fruits and veggies on hand!

    lola_violets_2010[at]yahoo[dot]com

  665. I don’t like the heavy feeling I get when overeating so I motivate myself by eating small portions and feeling great

  670. I just use moderation. That way I get to enjoy the holidays but stay healthy

  675. I’m motivated to not be sick over the holidays by overeating.
    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

  677. I allow myself to indulge on the actual holiday, but try to stay eating healthy on all the other days.
    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

  714. We go for a 3 mile walk after our holiday meals.
    And I stay healthy by doing regular cardio workouts and watching my portion sizes.
    Thank you.
    email in blogger profile

  720. I try not to get over-committed to activities far and wide and to focus on the spirit of these holidays.

  723. I stay healthy and motivated by weighing myself, the scale doesn’t lie unlike stretchy waisted pants

  730. I cook healthy meals for my family and make sure we get plenty of off-the-coach time!

  740. I am subscribed to An Ordinary Life email updates,
    Email entry 2.

  741. I am subscribed to An Ordinary Life email updates ,
    Email entry One.

  743. I am following Our Ordinary Life on Google friend Connect. My GFC name is Cindy M.

  744. I am following you on Twitter. My Twitter name is foodhistorian.

  746. We’ve been invited to some great holiday parties, so staying healthy is very important! I take a multi-vitamin daily and eat nutritious food.

  754. I make an extra effort to get enough sleep, even if that means taking a nap, which can be hard to squeeze in this time of year. Thanks so much!

  766. daily dose of vitamins,less frequent meals,15mins. indoor cycling 3xa wk
    amramazon280 at yahoo dot com

  767. I keep my focus by committing to working out at least three times per week.

  768. i work out a lot, well just walking now cause of stress fractures in my leg..

  772. i stay healthy by going for lots of walks. that helps me keep stress free as well!