ABCNews.com: 5 Tips on How to Maintain Health and Wellness During the Holiday Season

ABCNews.com recently interviewed Amanda Velazquez, MD, director of Obesity Medicine in the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai, about ways to stay on top of health and wellness during the holidays, when sticking to healthy routines can be challenging.

Velazquez told ABCNews.com that although many holiday gatherings are centered around food, it’s best not to skip meals in anticipation of eating one bigger meal.

“[This is] priming your body to be very hungry, overly hungry,” Velazquez told ABCNews.com. “Also, you will not give yourself the fuel and energy during the day to sustain yourself.”

Velazquez also told ABCNews.com that it’s important to pay attention to calories that are consumed through beverages.

“Try to minimize empty calories and avoid sugar sweetened beverages such as sodas, juices and high calorie cocktails,” she said.

Velazquez suggested scheduling physical activities that would be fun to do with other people.

“I try to encourage patients to think about who are members of their families or friends who may want to participate in physical activities,” she told ABCNews.com. “This usually leads them to brainstorming about partnerships and keeps them accountable.”

Other ways to stay healthy during the holiday season include self-care activities to help minimize stress, like meditation, breathing exercises, journaling and yoga. Experts also advise that patients aim for a consistent sleep schedule with seven to nine hours of sleep each night and minimal noise and light distractions.

Click here to read the complete article from ABCNews.com.