Eight Days of Healthy Living Tips
As individuals and families across the globe prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, Crittenton Home Care celebrates by highlighting some of the holiday’s traditions along with tips to help you celebrate a healthy life. The Hanukkah celebration lasts eight days, and in honor of that tradition, we offer Eight Days of Healthy Living Tips that can be practiced throughout the year.
Day One:
Olive oil is known as the best source of monounsaturated fatty acid. Simply put, this is a good fat that can improve blood cholesterol levels. In the Jewish tradition, Hanukkah celebrates one day’s worth of oil lasting eight days. For centuries, families have continued to light the Menorah for eight nights during the holiday week. Cooking with olive oil to replace other oils is a quick healthier option.
Day Two: Reduce Fatty Foods
Keeping away from fatty foods is a simple way to lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease. We’ve all heard about Trans fats, but there are other fats that we should limit as well. Fast food offers some of our favorites are unfortunately on that list of fatty no-nos. Olive oil, flax seed oil, fish oil and many others are known as “good fats” and can help with physical and emotional health.
Day Three: Let the Candles Burn
Reduce stress. As tradition states, Hanukkah candles are lit each night and a new candle added each of the eight nights. According to tradition, the candles must burn out completely without being blown or snuffed out. Sitting with family and friends around the Menorah was a tradition that allowed time to talk, sing song and play games. According to the NY Times, spending time with friends can lead to longer lifespan and healthier quality of life.
The rest of our Eight Days of Health Tips will be posted throughout the week and can be found at www.crittentonhc.com.
CHC
1:47 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Day Four: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights due to its focus on the lighting of the temple and Menorah. The body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D, which helps regulate our mood. Getting out into the sunshine, even when it’s cold out, can ward off SAD (seasonal affect disorder). And, if there can’t be sunlight, be sure to get enough Vitamin D in your diet. Foods rich in Vitamin D will help with mood and keep you healthier all winter long! Salmon, eggs, dark leafy vegetables and sardines are just a few D rich foods.
Day Five: Sundown Dinner
Healthy eating is something that should be done all year long, but during the holidays it can be tough. It’s important to eat meals throughout the day and maintain a balanced diet. Often, skipping meals is a sign that a loved one needs assistance in the home. Crittenton Home Care gives a few tips on how to help talk about aging loved ones while you’re around the dinner table this holiday season. And while you’re cooking, here is a great recipe for Potato Latkes that will keep Hanukkah healthy! Check out the recipe at www.crittentonhc.com