A healthy, Merry Christmas!

Image from author.

Tis the season to be jolly, but it’s also a season full of junk food. As the holiday season approaches, filled with sparkling lights and beautiful aromas, many overindulge on junk food, which disrupts their dieting routine. An interesting question pops up as Christmas approaches: how does one enjoy festive treats without compromising their well being? This conundrum invites a closer look at the strategies to make a balance between eating traditional dishes and making smart choices. Let this Christmas mend celebrations and smart choices, giving us another opportunity to stay healthy. 

Embracing the Christmas season, Alexander Baruah, a junior at Washington High School who is on the cross country team, says, “I am Russian and in my culture Christmas is celebrated differently. We take part in caroling, fortune telling, and more. We fast before Christmas and eat mashed potatoes and turkey, but also eat Russian foods such as Palmeni (dumplings), and various breads.” This is a nice insight, as it offers a unique way to stay healthy. Fasting prior to Christmas, something that people of various cultures do, compensates for eating normal Christmas foods. However, if that doesn’t suit you, then there are some healthier options. Firstly, roasting a turkey without butter is a great option. It contains lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Secondly, roasted vegetables are a great dish to eat. Lastly, baked apples are a healthy Christmas dessert. Bake them in cinnamon, oats, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

In addition to making smart decisions during Christmas, exercising can beautifully compliment a healthy diet. There are various activities like dancing, ice skating, or even just walking around the block in order to enjoy the mesmerizing lights. Rayyan Rahman, a junior at Washington High School who is Bengali and is involved in the digital arts club, celebrates Boro Din, also known as Bengali Christmas, where he eats biryani, curry, and other dishes. When asked how he stays healthy during the holiday season, he says, “Working out promotes good health as it keeps you active and helps you lose weight.” Not only does exercise help you stay active, but it lightens up your mood. Most people who work out are generally found to be happier. 

However, peer pressure during the holidays is something that can disrupt one’s goals and expectations. For example, friends and family might encourage overeating and attending parties as opposed to exercising. To stop this, people can prioritize self control and be mindful of what they are eating. 

In conclusion, as Christmas is around the corner, enjoying delicious treats without compromising our health encourages us to be healthier. Insights from Alexander and Rayyan provide a diverse perspective from different cultures on how they stay healthy throughout the holiday season. Not only that, but surrounding yourselves with people who understand your goals and expectations is vital. Alexander, giving advice to people who want to be healthier, says, “Family members could push them and encourage them to eat healthier, as it is for their best interest. If somebody is trying to eat healthy, it is the family’s responsibility to cook healthy food.” From all of these perspectives from different cultures, it is important to find a balanced and healthy way to celebrate Christmas.