Quick Tips for a Healthy End of the Year

Hopefully, the holidays have been good to you so far. Since many of us will still be in holiday mode for another week or so, I will keep this newsletter short and offer up a few quick tips to help you make through the end of the holiday season.

First, is try to use moderation in food and drink. There’s probably still a lot of holiday sweets and treats and it’s easy to get carried away, especially if you’ve been indulging in more sugar than you know you should since the Halloween candy first hit the store shelves in (checks calendar)… August.

Basically, what I’m suggesting is portion control. A small piece of pie. One or two cookies rather than five or six.

Sweets also have less of a detrimental impact on blood sugar control if you eat them with healthier, more nutrient-balanced meals rather than as stand-alone snacks. Plus, if you’ve just eaten a good meal, you won’t have as much room for dessert.

Sweets aren’t the only thing where moderation is key. With New Year’s Eve approaching, alcohol consumption is something to consider as well. If you are going to drink, my suggestion is to try to pace yourself. Sip your drinks and stretch them out over a period of time with breaks in-between alcoholic beverages to eat. Perhaps alternate between alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic ones. In particular, water is your best friend if you want to avoid a bad hangover and the toxic effects of the alcohol.

Speaking of toxic, it’s also helpful to minimize your time with toxic people. Getting into arguments with family members and people who try to push your buttons really doesn’t serve any purpose. My recommendation is to not engage with those who want to stir up trouble. Agree to disagree, disengage and walk away.

Even if you’re not walking away from someone unpleasant, taking a walk is another thing that may help you better manage your holiday health. The holidays can be a busy time and perhaps your normal exercise routine has been disrupted. You might not have time for a full workout at the gym, but a 20 minute walk might be something you can work into your schedule.

To sum it up, my top end of the year health tips are to use moderation when it comes to food and alcohol, avoid toxic interactions with people looking to push your buttons, and go for a walk or get some other physical activity.

I hope your holidays have been great and I wish you a happy and healthy 2026!

Until next time…

George F. Best, D.C.