Five Tips for a Heathy, Guilt-Free Holiday Season

By Greg Pascucci

The 2021 holiday season is upon us! With many families skipping traditional festivities last year, many are looking to reconnect and fully embrace the merriment of the season, including seasonal desserts and treats. But, before you skip the decadent cookies and refreshing eggnog, here are five tips for a healthy, guilt-free holiday season:

1. Plan Ahead
Research shows if you consciously make a plan to decide what you’ll eat for your meals, you’ll be more intentional about your choices which can avoid the extra calories. For example, creating a grocery list of healthy ingredients for the holidays can help prevent spur of the moment food decisions.

At The Carlisle, an active retirement community, a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner is offered. The award-winning executive chef and his talented team create a rotating menu, incorporating the season’s freshest and most flavorful cuts of meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits. Residents have the peace of mind knowing each menu option has been meticulously planned by Chef Perez and is both healthy and nutritious.

2. Stay Active
It’s easy to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and neglect our health and wellness. However, staying active – even as the year comes to a close – is a great way to jumpstart fitness goals for 2022! Exercise produces endorphins which can improve one’s ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress levels.

Thanks to The Carlisle Naples’ robust fitness calendar, residents can burn off the extra calories often synonymous with the holidays. There are more than 10 weekly opportunities for physical activity, including water fitness and yoga.

3. Indulge a Little
It’s okay to sample the decadent eggnog cheesecake bars or the chocolate cream pie. Research finds that the ingredients found in many desserts contain high levels of endorphins that can make us feel good almost immediately. The key is to eat in moderation. Try eating smaller portions or sharing a treat with a family member. You’ll be able to savor the taste and flavor of the holidays without the feelings of guilt.

Chef Perez and his team are known for masterfully creating healthier holiday dessert alternatives without sacrificing flavor or taste. He recommends modifying classic recipes by using apple sauce or mashed bananas as a butter replacement or sautéing instead of frying. The Carlisle’s FreshZest, an initiative focused on plant-based options, is also offered in additional to the nightly menu and features delicious entrees such as Artichoke with Cremini Mushroom, Eggplant Cannelloni and a Caprese Stuffed Avocado, enabling residents to indulge without compromising their diets.

4. Reduce Your Stress
Listen to your body and don’t neglect self-care. Studies show increased stress is tied to poor eating habits. It’s perfectly okay to decline an invitation and or scale back a family tradition if it becomes too overwhelming.

For residents at The Carlisle, the maintenance-free lifestyle enables them to spend each day as they wish. Without the hassles of day-to-day responsibilities such as cooking or even decorating for the holidays, residents find they now have more time to truly soak in the spirit of the holidays and socialize with family, friends and neighbors. The Zest Department, charged with appealing to residents’ mind, body and soul, truly makes the holidays special – from a Hanukkah celebration to Christmas concerts and a festive New Year’s Eve Bash. Residents simply have to show up and have fun!

5. Don’t Allow a Bad Day to Become a Bad Month
The holiday season can often distract from health and fitness goals. Perhaps you skipped a workout or overindulged in your favorite holiday snacks. Remember, it’s okay to have a bad day. The key is not allow that bad day to turn into a week or month of unhealthy habits. Give yourself grace and begin the next day with a clean slate, ready to keep your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

The Carlisle’s preventative wellness programs and initiatives, including Zest, are centered around healthspan, where residents lead better, healthier lives. Whether being inspired to sign-up for a national cycling competition or trying a new fitness class, residents are motivated daily, and often find significant improvements to their health and strength after moving to the retirement community.

“My neighbors and I hold each other accountable,” said resident Bernadette Paulo. “When you know there is someone waiting for you to show up for a morning walk or attend a fitness class, it keeps you motivated.”

Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant.

For more information about the community,
please call 239-221-0017 or visit
www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.