They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but I must add that it generally isn't the healthiest. Here are a few things I think will help you stay happy, fit, and healthy in December.
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REI Power Stretch Tights ($70) [2]REI Power Stretch Tights ($70) [3]
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Hands2Go: Alcohol Free Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50) [4]Hands2Go: Alcohol Free Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50) [5]
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Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers ($15) [6]Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers ($15) [7]
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Peppermint [8]Peppermint [9]
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Single Leg Squats [10]Single Leg Squats [11]
If you want to see why these are my December must haves just
- REI Power Stretch Tights ($70): Come winter and snow time, you want a pair of toasty pants you can wear for a variety of activities, and these Stretch Tights by REI [12] will take you on a run through wintry streets and to the slopes as a great base layer. Made with Polartec fabric that stretches four directions to ensure ease of motion, they have a moisture-wicking velour fleece to keep you dry on the inside and a smooth nylon outer face that sheds light rain and wind. I love that they come with an unobtrusive zippered side pocket.
- Hands2Go Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50): Keep your hands germ free with this alcohol-free hand sanitizer [13]. Not only does it kill 99 percent of bacteria, but it also moisturizes with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender extracts.
- Tinted lip balm with sunscreen: Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean the sun cannot do damage. I love this trio of lip moisturizers with mineral tint for color and SPF 15 by Juice Beauty [14] ($15). There is a color for every occasion. I would definitely slip one if these into the zippered pocket of my REI running tights!
- Peppermint: This herb is more than candy-cane flavoring; peppermint is considered by many to be the world's oldest medicine [15]. Peppermint has been shown to help decrease symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome [16]. It can also help relieve cold symptoms by working as a decongestant and expectorant. Warm yourself with a cup of peppermint tea.
- Single-Leg Squats: Skiing season officially starts in December (here's hoping for a good snow year in the Sierras) and you need to start conditioning for the slopes now, if not yesterday! Single-leg squats are the exercise to get your thighs mountain ready. Start with six reps [17] on each leg, for two sets.