The holidays are just around the corner and that means food, fun, and family! Although this is a joyous time of year, our diets tend to suffer. Your Wellness Team has some healthy holiday tips for avoiding diet sabotage this season.

Stock the freezer with healthy meals.Everyone's overly busy during the holidays, and most of us want to spend our time shopping, decorating, or seeing friends and family, which leaves less time to cook healthy meals. Take defensive action several weeks ahead of time by cooking meals intended specifically for the freezer. You'll be thankful later when you can pop one of the meals into the oven or microwave and turn your attention instead to writing out holiday cards with a personal message in each.

Pour the gravy and sauces lightly.You may not be able to control what's being served at a holiday meal, but you can make the turkey, roast beef, and even mashed potatoes and stuffing much healthier by foregoing the sauce or gravy or spooning on just a small amount.

Walk away from worries"The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep," says nutrition-and-wellness expert Ann Kulze, MD. Aim for a brisk, 15-30 minute walk every day.

Try to keep seasonal goodies out of reach, either in an area that isn’t as highly trafficked as the kitchen, or in dark containers or covered dishes. In one study, people ate 26 % more Hershey’s Kisses when the candies were in clear dishes versus white ones. And when the chocolates were placed six feet away, the average person ate only four a day, as opposed to nine a day when they were within arm’s reach.

Please don't fall for highly processed additives disguised as "hot cocoa" this winter. It's SUPER easy to make your own (and it tastes so much better too).

Homemade Recipe: Combine 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa (I like the "dark" variety)with 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup and about 3/4 cup of warm/hot milk.Stir until combined and enjoy!

Recipe for Success

Lovett Wellness Warriors

Welcome to the Wellness World!