Last time we reviewed some heart healthy eating and drinking tips for the holiday season. This week, we would like to share some more tips from healthy traveling practices, physical activity and stress management tips.

Having a heart healthy holiday may be easier than you think!

Heart Healthy Travel Tips:
1) If you are delayed in the airport or train station don’t just sit there and complain, get up and walk around!! All extra steps count!
2) If you will be eating on the go, try to pack a few healthy items in your carry on bag-like an apple, orange, banana or granola bar.
3) If you buy something at the newspaper stand/candy shop opt for the nuts over the candy bar. They are high in fiber and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
4) If you will be eating at one of the airport restaurants, opt for the salads minus the creamy dressings, bacon bits, and cheese. Instead, go heavy on the veggies and light/fat free dressings or vinaigrettes. If you want to “sink you teeth” into a sandwich opt for the grilled chicken or turkey club type sandwich and ask for dressings or sauces on the side. Avoid the fried, fatty foods.

Heart Healthy Activity Tips:
1) Participate in outings that involve physical activity like skiing, sleigh riding, ice skating and walking.
2) At the shopping malls park in the furthest spot from the store to increase your walking.
3) Go window shopping and enjoy the holiday decorations. Take your pedometer with you and count your steps. Aim for 10,000 steps per day!
4) Dance at holiday parties.
5) Schedule exercise/physical activity into you routine. Exercise increases your energy level.
6) Take the dog for a walk and enjoy the holiday decorations in the neighborhood.
7) Go Christmas caroling.
Cut down your own Christmas tree.
9) Take the stairs whenever possible instead of elevators and escalators.

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress:
1) Schedule some down time for yourself to relax and de-stress
2) Learn some relaxation techniques and use them throughout your stressful days. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be very relaxing.
3) Include a chair massage for yourself during holiday shopping trips.
4) Remember to have fun each and every day. Find some humor in every day life. Laughter is a great way to relieve stress.
5) Try to always keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with happy people.
6) Try not to focus on money issues every day. If you have made financial mistakes in the past, use it as a learning experience and avoid similar mistakes in the future.

For additional heart healthy information visit us at www.heart-strong.com.

HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON and a Wonderful 2010!!!!!