Having a healthier holiday!

Okay, so we all know the holiday season can take quite a toll on your health with eating sweets and possibly abandoning the gym. But don't let this season be the time you gain the holiday pounds. Here are some tips to keep your holidays healthy!

Eat This - Not That

S.H.E reports on the REC

Incorporating exercise into your daily schedule is extremely important for your health and well being. Washington State University has available to all students the University Recreation Center which allows students access to top of the line excercise equipments, personal trainers and specialized fitness classses.

Danielle Parrish & Leah Christiansen recount their experiences taking classes at the REC.

http://briannawerre.webng.com/mixdown.mp3

Sip on Something Sweet this Winter, Guilt Free

Sure, we are all calorie-conscious over the holiday season when it comes to the endless large meals and desserts. But don't forget, all the drinks at holiday parties can pack the same amount of punch as a full dinner. Don't fret, as there are ways two modify your favorite winter drink favorites, and they are easier than you think. Here are some healthy spins on two classic holiday beverages, courtesy of Heather Hatfield for WebMD magazine:

Egg-Nog:

Makes 4 servings

1 1/2 cups skim milk

1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half

1/2 cup pasteurized egg substitute

1 tsp vanilla

1 packet artificial sweetener

1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)

Nutmeg (for garnish)

• Combine all ingredients in a shaker or blender, or whisk to blend. Serve cold or over ice and garnish with nutmeg.

Wine Spritzer

Makes 1 serving

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice

1/4 cup club soda or sparkling water

• Combine and garnish with lime wedge

for original article and more recipes see: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/low-calorie-holiday-recipes

More Vitamin D Please

Avid tanners will recall when Vitamin D became the indoor tanning industry's greatest ally when under fire for recent health concerns. And in the northwest we are especially in need of Vitamin D, as our environment rarely supplies us with enough natural sunlight to produce the necessary amount year-round. Recently doctors have listed Vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. Experts have also warned against trying to obtain Vitamin D through exposing your body to UV rays (and fake and bake indoor tanning is a well-known skin care 'no-no'). So what is a girl to do if she wants to have great skin and a sufficient amount of Vitamin D? Here are some great options:

• Make time for a healthy breakfast. Almost all milk is now fortified with a substantial dose of Vitamin D, as well as orange juice. Also, check the labels of your favorite major breakfast cereals, as many are now a good source as well.
• Eating lean meats and fish. Many especially fatty seafoods are loaded with Vitamin D, for example 3 ounces of cooked salmon is worth 200% of the daily value.
• Remembering to take your multi-vitamin. Be cautious though, for adults up to 70 years in age, the recommended amount of Vitamin D is 600iu per day.

Study Tunes for Any Mood

Hey S.H.E readers, finals week is upon us, and if you are like us here at S.H.E, you've already started hitting the books. Stress levels are at an all time high this time of year, and what better way to combat anxiety than with music. While studying, christmas music may be a bit distracting, and your itunes library is almost too familiar. For a new and refreshing way to discover music check out musicovery.com. There you are able to select a station based on mood, and their calming station is full of new music with positive energy, perfect for studying. Check it out!

Winter's workout!

Just because it may be hard to get to the gym with so much snow on the ground, don't let that keep you from exercising as there's still so much you can do! Now a lot of the time when there's snow outside, people would rather bundle up inside with some hot chocolate and a good movie. But don't get in routine to a snow day and out of routine with your exercise plan!

The winter season is the perfect time for a new workout that isn't so normal for your body. By hitting the treadmill or elliptical every gym visit, your body gets use to it. But by incorporating something new and different will boost your calorie burning as it's not an exercise stored in your muscle memory.

Plus, any kind of snow sport will work! From skiing and snowboarding, to snowshoeing and nordic walking, and even just playing in the snow! One exercise you may not even think of is sledding. Sledding is a great way to burn calories as it's honestly more exercise than fun. It takes you just a few seconds to slide down a snow covered hill and then you have to walk all the way back up the hill, burning calories along the way. And because you're working out in the cold instead of your typical gym environment, you're burning calories as your body works to keep itself warm too!

Just remember to wear the proper clothing! Stay away from anything made of cotton because once it get wet it'll stay wet and make you cold. Just remember to layer tons of clothing on. It's always easier to cool yourself off when you're hot then try to warm up. Try layer with synthetic fabric and simply remove articles of clothing as you get too hot. Don't forget the right shoes too! You definitely don't want your feet to get cold while stomping around in the snow.

So just because working out in the snow may seem like a challenge, you can still get a great workout that's both new and fun!