yogen fruz 2012

The holidays are here! And while we are sure you love everything there is to love about the most wonderful time of the year, sometimes we can fall a little too in love (cough cough third glass of egg nog).  Here are five ways to avoid putting on the holiday pounds without avoiding your favourite festive fillings!

1.    Eat Regularly: It gets super busy this time of the year causing major diet disruptions. We can go hours without eating when we are in a ‘gift wrap zone’ and then over indulge when we are in ‘party zone.’ Avoid eating irregularly; keep snacks handy and healthy. We recommend a Yogen FrÜz fruit cup – its heart-healthy and full of flavour!

2.    Sleep: Make sure your counting your sheep during the holidays! Catching major z’s will reduce stress and help boost your metabolism.

3.    Exercise: You’ve got a million and one things to do before the 24th, how will you ever find the time to hit the elliptical. Don’t worry; exercising comes in all shapes and forms (literally). Take a brisk walk while catching up with visiting family or do some crunches while watching your fave Christmas special!

4.    Relax: The holidays are all about enjoyment, however sometimes relaxing and enjoying are not one in the same. Make sure to breathe, relax and take time for Ü.  Read that book you just bought or enjoy your favorite froyo with a friend.

5.    Indulge Moderately: How could anyone say no to a turkey dinner with all the fixings? You don’t have to. Enjoy everything in moderation. Have your CARBniverous meal with a glass of water instead of wine or substitute bread for more veggies. Whatever you do make sure to treat yourself, you’ve been so good this year!

In the age of technology, we’ve surrounded ourselves with electronic devices that make our lives so easy that we barely lift a finger to get things done. “Why walk to yogen früz when I can drive somewhere,” we rhetorically ask ourselves knowing that driving is faster. Yes, we save time but would it be better to walk to yogen früz and get exercise?

What are the actual benefits of exercise? Studies have show that the healthier we eat and the more exercise we get, the better our lives are. Below are 5 ways exercise can improve our lives.

1. Exercise improves your mood.

   Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You’ll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular exercise can even help prevent depression.

2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

   Regular exercise can help you prevent, or manage, high blood pressure. Regular exercise boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. Both combined keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.

3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.

   When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to manage your weight. You don’t even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk to yogen früz during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials.

4. Exercise boosts your energy level.

   When you exercise, oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your tissues. In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system and the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep.

   A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood during the day. Exercise can be the key to better sleep. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There’s a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services
Source: UpToDate
Source: Mayo Clinic