Post Thanksgiving shopping has become as much a holiday tradition as the turkey itself.  While mall walking can be great exercise--especially when carrying lots of packages (or a child)--the healthiest walk you take may be the one that by-passes the food court.  You're much better off going home to eat Thanksgiving leftovers.  If you do stop for fast food, try to skip the greasy burgers and fries or high fat smoothies in favor of a low-fat alternatives.  And if you're really stopping just to rest your feet, don't feel obligated to eat.  A water bottle will go a long way towards refreshing you.

Fitness guru Donna Richardson reminds us that when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season invades our already over scheduled days, exercise is often the first thing to be sacrificed.

"Fit fitness in during the holidays.  Schedule your workouts, and maybe schedule it with a partner so you can provide a little motivation for each other.  Schedule mini-workouts. . .you may not get to the gym for an hour or two hours but moderate exercise is great.  Get up a little earlier and you know what, if you're gonna party, just dance it up on the dance floor."

Another suggestion is to pass the football instead of the remote control.  Don't just watch football on TV, go out and play!

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Created: 11/24/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.