It is the time of year when families pull out cookbooks and decorations and think about who to invite for holiday celebrations. Along with these important decisions, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation encourages you to go into the holidays with a plan for keeping your family moving more and eating healthier during this time of celebration.

5 Ideas for Your Healthy Holiday Game Plan

1)    Replace Appetizers with Fitnetizers

Instead of watching professionals play sports on television, encourage your family and/or neighbors to join together for a “fitnetizer,” a pre-meal physical activity such as soccer, softball or a backyard obstacle course.

2)    Beware of the Beverages

Sodas, alcohol and eggnog can all be high in calories. Try to keep those out of the house this year and entertain in style with elegant pitchers of water with cucumber, cranberries or other citrus fruits.

3)    Step Away from the Leftovers

To avoid constant snacking on leftovers, try to send things home with guests or put extras in the freezer for future meals.

4)    Walk the Talk

After a large meal, take a long stroll around the neighborhood or see if there is a community “Turkey Trot” walk/run to join.

5)    Rely on Your Roots

Plan your holiday menus around the autumn harvest; choose produce such as pumpkin, squash, Brussels sprouts and root vegetables to make flavorful and hearty dishes and try to cut out the cream and sugar.