The Bayonet Dec. 2013 | Page 32

7 Ways to Keep Your Family Fit Through the Holiday Season “Health and cheerfulness naturally beget each other.” -- Joseph Addison I love the holiday season. It’s the perfect time to give some extra love and attention to the people we care about. It’s the time when kind wishes are abundantly flying around and homes are being warmed by families and friends who gather for meaningful conversations and good food. Interestingly enough, there always seems to be some tension between “spending good times” and staying healthy and happy. This is ever so visible during those first weeks of the new year when many people feel rather depressed, while we actually have all the ingredients there to kickstart into the new year. So how do we start using that opportunity to its fullest? The key is beautifully wrapped in Joseph Addison’s quote: if we stay healthy, we will also stay happy. Sounds simple, but we all know it’s pretty challenging when our tables are set with large quantities of delicious snacks and meals. 1. Fill the house with healthy snacks You can’t fire a weapon without bullets. If the majority of food in your cabinet and refrigerator consists of healthy whole grain breads, all-natural meats and cheeses, fruits and veg