While weathering the current economic climate, remember the saying that “;health is wealth.”; And good health is the gift that gives year-round. When we keep ourselves healthy, we have so much more to give. So, why not give the gift of your good health to those you love? Promise to practice healthy habits for yourself and become partners in health with your friends and family to support their healthy habits.

Question: How can you give the gift of health?

Answer: Promise to start with yourself. Plan out some gradual, easy changes that you know you can make. As you succeed with your changes, it can be contagious to those around you.

Be supportive of others but don't preach! Everyone has their own pace for making healthy changes. The changes that you find doable might be different from those of others.

Q: What changes will boost health the most?

A: Make opportunities for physical activity. Our modern environment supports avoidance of exertion at every turn. It has never been easier be a total couch potato, so it is necessary to seek out active options while going about daily activities.

The more active a person is, the more food they can eat, making it easier to get an adequate amount of essential nutrients. Research conducted more than 50 years ago found that people are less likely to overeat if they are at least moderately active. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, results in low calorie needs and makes it much easier to gain weight.

The options for physical activity are unlimited. Just move. Something as simple as standing burns twice as many calories as lying on the couch.

Find outings that keep you on your feet and that you can share with someone else. Most of us are much more likely to exercise if we have a partner and a schedule to get out with them. A short walk after dinner and even shopping can burn calories!

Eat well. Enjoy a wide variety of foods. Focus mostly on a balance of wholesome foods, but enjoy the treats you like — just don't overdo them.

Try something as simple as eating salad first at dinner and sharing dessert with someone else.

Someone following a low-calorie diet for weight loss still needs to meet nutrient needs to maintain good health. Research is showing that protein needs increase during calorie restriction. So dieters might do best if they maintain or even increase their protein intake during dieting.

Getting back to the reality of the holidays, it is the season to enjoy good food.

Simply eat with moderation, variety and balance in mind, and look for opportunities for physical activity.

With that, your health can improve even during the holidays.