5 Tips for Staying Healthy This Holiday Season

So long, hangovers, tummy troubles and other holiday-season woes. Use ALL YOU's 5 tips to feel fabulous after all the fun .

You want to raise a glass (or two) at cocktail parties:

• Before you hit the bar, eat a filling meal that's rich in fiber, carbohydrates and healthy fats, like those in avocados and nuts, to help slow the body's absorption of alcohol. Continue to nibble as you drink. Stick to clear or light-colored beverages rather than dark ones because they container smaller amounts on congeners, chemicals that can leave you with a raging headache. Stick to one cocktail per hour to give your body time to break down the alcohol; alternate each drink with a glass of water to combat alcohol's dehydrating effect.

Plus: 10 Ways to Keep the Pounds off During the Holidays »

You want to go the distance to see friends and relatives:

• Avoid general crankiness and travel stress by getting a good night's sleep beforehand. You're bound to come in contact with germy surfaces on the road, so make sure to wash your hands or apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly, and be extra vigilant about keeping hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose (to avoid giving germs a free ride into your body). Prevent aches-not to mention dangerous blood clots-by getting up and stretching periodically during a flight and sipping water throughout. Staying hydrated on long trips also minimizes jet lag.

You want to eat everything, from pigs in a blanket to your mom's gingerbread men:

• Tackle that spread slowly, savoring each bite and taking breaks between courses. Eating too fast makes you swallow excess air, which can cause gassiness and indigestion. And watch portion sizes: being too full is a major cause of acid reflux and indigestion. Finally, resist the lure of a comfy couch when dinner's over: Reclining ups the chances that stomach acids will creep up into your esophagus, leading to heartburn and acid reflux.

You want to burn the candle at both ends:

• To make it through the marathon that is the holiday season, you need to stay energized with the right fuel, just as a runner does. Start every morning with a protein-packed breakfast to keep you feeling fuller for a longer time. For the same reason, bring along snacks full of good fats and fiber when you're on the go. And no matter how crazy-busy you are, know that now, more than ever, your system needs the energy-boosting effects of exercise. It doesn't need to be a major sweat session: Even a quick, brisk walk during lunch has serious invigorating powers.

Plus: Walk to Lose Weight--in Just Four Weeks! »

You want to shop without dropping:

• Unless you do your holiday shopping online, think of it as a winter sport: You need to pace yourself and use the right equipment. Comfortable, stable shoes, such as cross-trainers, are a must. Plan several short trips, rather than one long session, and distribute the weight of your purchases evenly (don't tote all your bags in one hand, latte in the other). Pick up heavy parcels by dropping to one knee, bringing the weight close to your body and using leg (not back) muscles to lift.

Plus: Create an At-Home Gym for Only $45! »

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