You likely know that eating well and staying active are essential for a strong heart, but it can be challenging to prioritize it this time of year amid all the festivities. Luckily, making just a few simple lifestyle adjustments can help you protect your well-being while also savoring the season.
The holidays are a time for coming together to share delicious meals, something most everyone looks forward to. But such occasions can often lead to overindulging in foods and drinks that are filled with saturated fats, salt, and sugar. You don’t have to miss out on all the fun, however, to do your heart a favor. Instead, fill most of your plate with nutritious options like salmon or lean turkey breast, salad greens, and baked sweet potatoes, reserving only a small section of it for more decadent treats.
As for your beverage, a cup of fragrant apple cider is an excellent alternative to rich, and possibly boozy, eggnog. If you do allow yourself a holiday cocktail, moderation is key—drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, can increase your triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood.
A major upside of this season is the opportunity to nurture social bonds, which various research shows can reduce your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke. And these benefits aren’t confined to your personal relationships; being part of a community may be just as impactful. So besides your typical family dinners and parties with friends, consider hosting a fun group event like a neighborhood potluck or volunteering at a local gift or food drive. Each can provide a sense of fulfillment and joy to bring an extra boost to your spirit.
That said, some interactions can spark stress and, in turn, potentially set off inflammation, a harmful response linked to coronary artery disease and other complications. Therefore, carefully manage your holiday schedule, filling it with events that lift you up instead of dragging you down.
Of course, planning for the season can be enough on its own to incite a certain level of stress. While there are many strategies that can help you manage it, an especially comforting one is spending quality time with your furry companion. Studies indicate that pet owners generally have lower blood pressure than others, in part because of the feel-good hormones such moments produce. Your four-legged friend can also encourage you to be more physically active and offer companionship that helps combat loneliness—both of which contribute to your overall well-being. Don’t have a pet? You can enjoy similar upsides by volunteering at an animal shelter or pet sitting for a neighbor who will be out of town for the holidays.
It’s understandable for your regular workout routine to take a back seat during these months, but even if you don’t have time to fit in the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, try to incorporate more activity throughout your day. This is especially important if your job requires long hours at a desk or on your feet; remaining in one position for too long can negatively impact your cardiovascular health. At least every hour, engage in simple movements such as stretching your arms and legs, which can improve your circulation and reduce the risk of problems like blood clots.
Additionally, make the most of your downtime to mitigate your time spent sedentary. For example, try doing aerobic exercises while watching holiday movies rather than sitting on the couch. And take advantage of seasonal events that get you moving—a simple walk to admire your neighborhood’s festive lights is a great way to get your blood flowing.
Though prioritizing sleep can be tough amid the hustle and bustle, it is essential. Studies show that people who maintain consistent, restful sleep tend to have stronger, healthier hearts. To improve your rest, establish a bedtime routine that allows for at least seven hours of sleep a night and adjust your sleeping environment to make it as cozy as possible. So if you’ve been eyeing some extra-comfy pillows or a plush new comforter, treat yourself to an early holiday gift!
Further, try to stay off your devices two to three hours before bed since their blue light can suppress your body’s sleep-inducing melatonin cycle. Instead, read a book or listen to a calming podcast to wind down.
Don’t let your well-being fall by the wayside this holiday season. Make your heart a priority as you celebrate with family and friends, and you’ll not only start the new year feeling healthy but also arm yourself with habits to help safeguard it for years to come.
Holiday gatherings are all about tradition and the joy of sharing food with others, and these recipes from the Adriatico cookbook reflect that spirit perfectly. They’re simple, comforting, and made with ingredients that speak for themselves, allowing you to bring a touch of Italy right to your dining table.
This delicious dish marries bold, earthy flavors with a touch of sweetness for a pasta that’s both rustic and refined.
A classic family favorite, this soft and fragrant apple cake is ideal for sharing over coffee or after a meal.
Recipes excerpted from Adriatico by Paola Bacchia, published by Smith Street Books. Photography © Paola Bacchia.
As you drive north along the Adriatic coast, rows of grapevines become part of the scenery from the northern reaches of Puglia, through Molise, Abruzzo and into Le Marche. At the time of grape harvesting, in late summer and early autumn, vincotto (also known as ‘sapa’) is made by reducing filtered grape juice (grape ‘must’) over many hours into a thick, sweet syrup. Vincotto can be used in desserts, but also pairs well in savoury dishes with walnuts, which are ready to be harvested at the same time as the grapes.
The sauce is a type of pesto, and should have an even balance of sweetness and nuttiness, with a hint of acid. Make sure you add plenty of parmesan to balance the inherent sweetness of the vincotto.
Serves 4 as a first course meal or 3 as a main
Note: Look for vincotto in Italian delicatessens and check the label for vinegar, which should be avoided.
Most Venetian families will have a recipe for apple cake that their nonna or grandmother used to make; a simple recipe, using pantry ingredients, that can be whipped up in a short time. This is one such cake. I like to use tart green apples, which balance the sugar nicely, and sprinkle a good teaspoon of cinnamon on top. The cake remains moist for days—although it will probably have all disappeared by then. . .
Serves 10–12
As another year winds down, you might pause to look back on personal challenges, areas of growth, and fond memories you’ve amassed in the prior months. But rather than merely waxing nostalgic, take action by implementing impactful financial plans that can help set you up for better success in the upcoming year. Here are five tips for managing your money before the calendar flips over.
While reviewing your budget may be best reserved for January following holiday spending, an important step to take now is calculating your net worth, which is the difference between your total assets (cash, investments, real estate, etc.) and liabilities (loans, credit card debt, and other negatives). To find your figure, list all your assets and estimate their current values, referring to documents like your mortgage statement for accuracy. Then compile your liabilities and subtract them from the assets total. Once you have this calculation, you can better assess your overall financial health, identifying challenges like excessive debts and establishing strategies for overcoming them as well as general objectives to strive for. In turn, you can proceed into January with more confidence about building future wealth.
If reviewing your net worth inspires you to set bigger financial goals, you may want to explore different strategies for managing your money. Options such as certificates of deposit, money market accounts, stock portfolios, real estate, or peer-to-peer lending each come with their own potential risks and benefits. Since everyone’s financial situation is unique, it’s important to consult with a qualified financial professional, who can help you determine what approach best aligns with your goals. (For more details, see below.)
Health care may represent a major portion of your spending, but perhaps one of the greatest ways to stifle hefty fees is to leverage any cost caps at the end of the year. If you’ve met your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, your insurer may pay up to 100 percent of your remaining health services through December. (An exception would be if you’ve also hit your annual maximum benefit, or the limit on how much your insurer will pay for covered care in a year.) So confirm your progress toward health, dental, and vision caps, and if you can swing it, squeeze in any services you may need while they’re practically free. And if you opted into a flexible spending account, you’ll definitely want to put any remaining funds to use since you may not be allowed to carry them over into next year.
Contributing the full amount permitted to your retirement fund each year could help better secure your future. Many such accounts, like 401(k)s, offer tax advantages—including decreasing your taxable income—to help reduce your burden for next year. Additionally, investing the maximum amount ensures that you take full advantage of employer matching, if available, which is essentially free money for retirement. See what extra contributions you may be able to make before the end of this year, then factor it into your future budgeting to help ensure that you don’t miss out on potentially significant breaks in the next one.
When it comes to your finances, you have a dizzying array of moves available to you, so be sure to meet with a financial professional, who can help you tend to your current needs while also making plans to grow your savings. In fact, taking such a step ahead of the new year can be one of the wisest ways to weigh your options and enact fiscally sound strategies that can get it off to a healthy start.
From the vibrant flowers of spring to the serene beauty of winter, every season brings its own unique allure, offering fresh opportunities to explore some of America’s most breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills or a relaxing retreat, each of these locations may just provide the perfect backdrop for your next getaway.
Alexandria, Virginia
Located on the Potomac River just south of Washington, DC, this town comes alive in spring as the cherry blossoms bloom, adding a touch of magic to just about any activity. History buffs, for instance, can visit Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which served George Washington and other major figures, or Carlyle House Historic Park, a Georgian mansion and gardens tied to the American Revolution. The latter also offers walking tours on select dates exploring the city’s wide range of architectural styles, from Victorian homes to midcentury-modern gems. Or simply stroll through Old Town, a nationally designated historic district, to peruse the various boutiques and cafés. And don’t forget to check out the waterfront, where you can get your blood pumping with a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion or settle in to savor some stunning river views.
Fairbanks, Alaska
While the state is known for its cold winters, spring in this city offers a particular experience thanks to the occurrence of two seasons: aurora and midnight sun. The first runs until April 21, during which you can catch the awe-inspiring northern lights as they paint streaks of color across the sky. The second follows immediately after and features extremely lengthy days, with the area experiencing twenty-four hours of sunlight from about May 17 to July 27—seventy-plus days straight!
Whichever time you decide to visit, be sure to take advantage of the magnificent scenery by embarking on a hike, wildlife tour, or leisurely drive through the surrounding wilderness. Do you prefer to stay indoors on a chilly day? Stop by one of the many museums, including the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Pioneer Air Museum, to get a closer look at what makes this state and its people so special.
Boise, Idaho
Idaho may not be at the top of your travel list, but Boise is an underrated gem for those who appreciate a combination of city life and outdoor adventure. The warm summer months are ideal for enjoying numerous activities, including biking and hiking through Camel’s Back Park and floating down the Boise River in a raft, tube, or kayak. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with farmers markets and art galleries and features an acclaimed food scene, with restaurants like KIN, home to Idaho’s first James Beard Award-winning chef, taking center stage. Perhaps best of all, nights come alive with open-air events including Alive After 5, a free concert series that brings live music to Grove Plaza every week.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
With warm days and cool nights, summer on Mackinac Island is an experience like no other. Known for its Victorian charm, this car-free sanctuary located in Lake Huron offers beautiful landscapes just waiting to be explored by foot, bike, or even horseback. Visit in early June to participate in the ten-day Lilac Festival, which celebrates the abundance of beautiful flowers that grace the land during this season. Of course, there’s still plenty to do if you come later, including exploring the historic Fort Mackinac, home to the oldest building in the state, and taking a boat ride on the sparkling waters. Cap your trip off with treats from any of the many fudge shops on the island, and you’re sure to head home more than satisfied.
Jackson, New Hampshire
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Jackson is a storybook destination this time of year due to its renowned vibrant foliage. Visitors can experience autumn’s brilliance on area hiking trails like the Boulder Loop Trail or via scenic drives on Kancamagus Highway and Mount Washington Auto Road. In town, the annual Return of the Pumpkin People festival adds a touch of whimsy for October travelers, with homes and businesses throughout the community creating elaborate and quirky pumpkin displays. Indulge in hearty meals at local favorites like the Red Fox Bar & Grille, and when it’s time to unwind, Jackson’s inns each provide a cozy retreat—the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa and the Inn at Thorn Hill, for instance, both offer inviting amenities like fireplaces, spas, and beautiful mountain sights.
Leavenworth, Washington
Although this Bavarian-inspired village in the Cascades is primarily known as a holiday paradise, it is equally worth a visit in fall, when it transforms into one of the most picturesque destinations you could ever visit. Take the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway as you approach to get your first look at the golden leaves of the area’s renowned larch trees. Then, for a more immersive experience, embark on the Enchantments Trail or Icicle Gorge Trail for an unforgettable hike surrounded by fiery oranges, yellows, and reds. And come October, revel in Leavenworth’s famed Oktoberfest, which features authentic German beer, traditional music, and dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel. All in all, you couldn’t ask for a more complete autumn experience.
Big Sky, Montana
Sitting near Yellowstone National Park, this city is famous for its world-class ski slopes, making it a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding. But for those seeking a different adventure, try snowshoeing through peaceful forests, dogsledding across snow-covered plains, or ice-skating on pristine outdoor rinks. You can also venture out on a snowmobile tour for a more exhilarating way to explore the area’s vast wilderness or go winter fly-fishing in its rivers for a tranquil afternoon. When you’re ready to call it a day, unwind at any of the luxurious spas or cozy local lodges. With a little something for everyone, Big Sky is a great choice for travelers seeking to embrace the magic of the season.
Sarasota, Florida
Alternatively, if you need an escape from the cold, the mild temperatures, sunny days, and smaller crowds found at this Sunshine State city make it the perfect spot for a winter retreat. Lounge on the soft, white sands of Siesta Key, which is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the country, and enjoy the clear waters via snorkeling, boating, or even a simple swim. In addition to its natural beauty, Sarasota boasts a multitude of cultural hubs, such as the Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus and Sarasota Opera’s Winter Opera Festival. For peak relaxation, though, spend a day unwinding and recharging at one of the area’s many spas, like Colibri Day Spa & Beauty Shop or BlueAloe Day Spa.
Ultimately, these picks only scratch the surface of what our country has to offer. No matter which season or locale speaks to you most, you’re sure to have an adventure that creates memories to last a lifetime.
