The holiday season may be the most difficult time of the year to maintain healthy eating and activity habits. The combination of parties, holiday meals, seasonal treats, and abundant spirits can result in unwanted weight gain.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most Americans can expect to gain at least one pound during the winter holiday season. One pound of weight gain doesn’t sound all that bad; the problem is that most Americans never lose that one pound. As a result, we gain 10 pounds every decade of our adult lives, and that contributes to obesity in later life.

Eating healthy, being active, and staying healthy all year long is a challenge. In order to help our members meet the challenge, UPMC Health Plan has developed MyHealth OnLine, an initiative designed to encourage healthy lifestyles. All UPMC Health Plan members have access to MyHealth OnLine, a free service powered by WebMD^®, one of the most respected names in health information.

Through MyHealth OnLine, you can gain access to diet and exercise programs that will help you to lead a healthy lifestyle all year round. When you log on to MyHealth OnLine, you unlock a free, confidential, round-the-clock resource that tailors itself to your individual needs. You can find MyHealth OnLine by selecting the “Health & Wellness” tab on our homepage.

Five Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

1. Exercise. If you have extra time off during the holidays, use it wisely.
   
   
2. Eat regularly. Don't starve yourself in anticipation of a holiday party.
   
   
3. Watch your alcohol intake. You can drink calories, too.
   
   
4. Beware of sweets. Rich, sugary foods make you crave more rich, sugary foods.
   
   
5. Be assertive. You don't have to say yes to every offer of food just to be polite.

Helpful Tools for
UPMC Health Plan
Members

Healthy Eating Tips

• Healthy Eating Habits
• Eating Right During the Holidays
• Heart-Healthy Foods
• Healthy and Quick Snack Ideas

Healthy Recipes

• Manhattan Chicken Chowder
• Rockport Fish Chowder
• Tortellini, White Bean, and Spinach Soup

UPMC Health Plan Healthy Lifestyle Tips

UPMC Health Plan members can take advantage of exclusive nutrition and healthy lifestyles information by accessing the MyHeallth OnLine member portal.

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