It has begun. The unstoppable landslide of holiday parties and spectacle of unhealthy foods aplenty has begun.
The scariest part of October won’t be the horror movies on the big screen or the ghosts hiding in dark corners. It is the commencement of months of unavoidable parties stuffed with fattening cakes and cookies. Jason and Freddy don’t stand a chance against Aunt Edna’s puppy dog eyes as she stands before you, holding her famous dish made with two sticks of real butter, wondering why her favorite relative isn’t digging in with both hands. 
‘Tis the season to pack away those cute skinny jeans. Or is it? Every year students everywhere tell themselves this year will be different. Holidays and healthy rarely go together in the same sentence, but perhaps with a few simple tips, students can keep their word to that little black dress that fits just right.
The local grocery store transforms into a battle ground with landmines of shopping carts overflowing with discounted candy. It is an obstacle course to challenge even the toughest of will powesr. Pass it up, but just for a moment. Chances are, you’ll forget all about it the moment you turn your back. If you can’t shake the craving by the time you are ready to check out, then go back and get it. Or even better, buy a single candy bar of the one you really truly want.
At buffets, look at your choices before you begin to pile food high upon your plate. Start with a salad, then add as many veggies as possible. Bring the healthy dish to the party. Yes, be THAT person. Other guests will thank you for it later, and so will their waistline.
“Even before it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, consider joining a gym or participate in a scheduled group exercise class. This will help with keeping fit and also with being in an environment where others are working on similar goals That is the recommendation of Kevin Veiga, the stretch and placement yoga professor and dance instructor on campus.
With a master’s in Fine Arts and an impressive list of dance experience, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Education Dance Organization, Veiga knows a thing or two about keeping a body moving to stay healthy.
Since most people have a problem with motivation, Veiga advocates grabbing a friend to keep each other accountable. Don’t forget to put that smartphone to work! Veiga suggests one of the millions of fitness apps available can not only help track progress, but also ensure progress keeps motivation strong.
Maintaining a healthy weight or a workout regimen doesn’t mean spending hours in a gym. A simple 10-20 minutes a day is all anyone needs. Missed a day? Pledge to meeting tomorrow’s commitment.
“It’s a good idea to include some cardio, so anything that’s fun and can raise your HR in the 60 to 80 percent of max range is a good idea. Stationary bikes, treadmills or elliptical should become best friend during this time.” Veiga advises.
For anyone wondering where they can access an elliptical, DSC has a state-of- the-art gym on campus. Or when walking to class, just look down. In the center of campus there is a marked half-mile path. Run up and down a flight of stairs a few times. Some professors even host group exercise classes at- $25 for a six-class session. Cardio fusion, Zumba, Latin Dance. If you are a DSC student, employee or retiree you’ll receive a $5 discount. That’s a little over $3 a class. Call 386-506-4386 for more info.
For those who don’t feel like being in a crowd, no worries.
“For the stay-at-home or do-it-yourself types, there are simple 10 to 20 minutes ideas one can do,” says Veiga.
Grab a hand weight or a fitness band to help with upper body. Cardio will help with assist the lower body. For times you feel like doing a little cardio, but only have a few minutes, take a seat. He recommends the following simple exercise:
“Sitting in a chair, back up with core and glutes engaged, holding each side of the chair. From there begin to quickly ‘run’ in place. Do this for 1 minute on and 10 seconds off for about 4 minutes total. Do this several times throughout the day, or try to complete in 3 consecutive sets with a minute rest in-between.”
Another example Veiga suggests is beginning in a push-up position and keeping legs together, simply jump from side to side until exhausted. Rest 10-20 seconds and try one or two more sets. As an added challenge, try placing a small step behind. While maintaining a tight core and firm push-up position, jump over it from side to side, keeping legs together.
“Of course, once completed, the best part should be the satisfaction of accomplishment and the fact that you are taking an active part in controlling a holiday of over eating and drinking,” Veiga says.