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10 Holiday Survival Tips, as told by Buddy the Elf

The holidays are around the corner, which means it is Buddy the Elf's favorite time of year to enjoy all his favorite major food groups: candy, candy corn, candy cane and syrup! Howard Head Performance has taken some tips from Buddy the Elf on what to do and NOT to do when enjoying the holiday festivities and treats.

1. Avoid frolicking in the food zone. That table with all of the apps & that bowl of red & green M&M's (yes, that one)... try not to make that the (literal) center of conversation. If you do, here's to hoping there may be some red & green bell peppers for you to mix in every once in awhile. 

2. Don't skip meals. First thing's first, don't skip breakfast or lunch to save room for that holiday dinner. Chances are you'll be starving & will stuff your face later on (see below).
 

3. Scope out your options. No need to go for the foods you can eat year round - save room for those special holiday dishes like grandma’s homemade sugar cookies!

4. Sample unfamiliar foods. Aunt Alice's pecan pie? Nibble like an elf & cut a tiny sliver first to decide if it's REALLY worth all the hype.

5. Practice balance. We elves try to stick to the four main food groups - carbohydrate, protein, healthy fats and fruits & veggies - EVEN during the holidays.
 

6. Choose 'elf size' portions. You can always go back for more if you're still hungry. But first, strike up conversation with the relatives for 20 minutes before going back for seconds.
 

7. Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?! Don't forget to add your favorite colors to each plate! Having a variety of colors from your vegetables, fruit and protein adds up to a very health meal with a variety of vitamins and nutrients; even the dessert plate deserves some extra colors.
 

8. Clean Plate Club?? Don't be a cotton-headed ninny muggins. No need to lick your plate clean (you're not Buddy the Elf). See #4 above to avoid wasting food.

9. Stay moving. Try not to stray from your regular exercise routine. For a special holiday workout, try hiking through the 7 levels of the Candy Cane Forest, past the Sea of Twirly-Swirly Gum Drops & walk through the Lincoln Tunnel. Gets that heart rate up for sure.

10. Hydrate. You've heard it before, folks. Recommended beverage this holiday season: water on the rocks. If you're looking to REALLY mix things up, opt for a lighter beer or liquor beverage without all of the added sugar (again, on the rocks). Just make sure to drink water in-between alcoholic beverages.