There are many ways you can help animal rescues during the holidays, even if you can't adopt just yet.

You’ll forever be a “superhero” in the eyes of any pet you adopt, but if you can’t commit to adoption just yet, you can at least reach “trusty sidekick” status by volunteering at your local animal shelter. This is especially true during the holidays when there’s often a shortage of staff. 

Here are eight creative ways you can help:

1. Become a wise adopter

Pets in a shelter have only one thing on their holiday wish list: get adopted by a loving parent.  It’s the happiest ending they could ever hope for as a rescue. But while you are indeed “rescuing” them, remember, there are responsibilities with being a pet parent. First, it’s a myth that shelters spay/neuter their animals, so be sure to address that if it’s important to you. There are also financial costs to consider, like visits to the vet, and the cost of feeding- let alone all the cute toys and accessories you’ll want to buy. This is why it’s smart to be an aware adopter – it leads to a happier life for you and your pet.

2. Foster a pet

Take a pet home for a short stay, say two weeks, to give them a break from their sheltered environment, that can be stressful, and ensure they get extra love and attention. If you already have a pet, this is a great way to help both your current pets and their new furry guest develop their social skills and hopefully introduce a new playmate.

3. Gratitude for shelter workers

Those working in shelters are super-dedicated and constantly looking to spread the word about pets available for adoption as well as the work they’re doing. Show your support by hash-tagging and mentioning your favorite shelters on social media. Or send them a hand-written thank you note they can proudly showcase in their reception area. If you’re a baker, why not take them oven-fresh holiday cookies, they make the purr-fect gift of appreciation.

4. Donate pet food and treats

Check first with your local shelter if you can bring in food and treats. Shelters are always hungry for support and if allowed, one of the best ways you can help is bringing in premium dog or cat food and delicious treats like our Pork and Apple Sausage Treats. Either choice will make you highly popular during visiting hours.

Show appreciation to dedicated shelter workers by sending thank you notes.

5. Donate to cover vet expenses

Rescued pets often sustain injuries from negligent owners or during their time wandering and medical bills can be a costly road to recovery. Your donation can help them live a happier, healthier life, making them ideal candidates for adoption.

6. Shelters need supplies

Your local shelter likely has a wish-list of things they need online. They could range from toys to towels to cleaning supplies. A shelter we heard about makes great use of an old bicycle they use to keep up with their dogs when they’re in the mood for a faster run.

7. Get pets adopted

Do you love pets but are allergic to them? Do you wish you could own a pet but you live in a pet-free building? Use your cell phone to take photos of some of the sheltered pets - the kind that pull at people’s heart strings - then post them on social media to let everyone know they’re available for adoption. If there’s anything that should be viral-worthy it’s the face of a cute kitten that needs a new loving home, even if it’s not your home.

8. Volunteer

Shelters are often short staffed. So grab a leash or three and help out by walking dogs, answering phones, feeding, cleaning or just playing with pets to keep them engaged and happy. There’s lots you can do, just ask. At Life’s Abundance, our employee-owners have begun to volunteer with Furry Friends, a local rescue. Check out the video below to see us in action!

When you shop at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund our non-profit, The Dr. Jane Foundation - which helps support animals in need around the country. We recently partnered with Furry Friends, a local rescue, to aid in their mission. Read more here.

Gifts are always part of the holidays, but for pets and shelters, the gift of your time and love is especially valuable.

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The Dr. Jane Foundation has partnered with Furry Friends, a local rescue in Jupiter, FL.

Did you know that when you shop at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund our charitable non-profit, The Dr. Jane Foundation? Whether you’re ordering delicious treats for your furry friends, or nutritional supplements for you and your family, every order you place helps to save the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals across the U.S.

The Dr. Jane Foundation's current partnership is with Furry Friends, our neighbors at our headquarters in Jupiter, Florida. Furry Friends is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide complete care for abused and abandoned dogs and cats. They rescue, provide medical care, rehabilitate, and place pets in forever homes! The Dr. Jane Foundation specifically supports their new Transport Bus Program, Hope On Wheels.

Furry Friends is one of the only shelters in Florida that has a fully-equipped rescue bus. It’s been used to support pets in disasters as well as saving them from euthanasia. In fact, the bus has the capacity to transport over 100 animals per journey!

Furry Friends loads their bus, Hope on Wheels, with dogs and cats to be transported to other rescues.

When Hurricane Ian hit Florida in September 2022, Furry Friends completed one of their largest bus transports, helping a number of affected animals. Check out some of these incredible journeys:

• 15 dogs and 20 cats were taken to a rescue in downtown Chicago to free up kennel space for displaced and lost pets after the hurricane.
• Over 100 animals were transported from damaged areas on Florida’s southwest coast to a staging ground in Jacksonville where they were taken to various shelters throughout the country.
• 50 dogs and cats were moved from storm zones to other shelters in the south and midwest.

In the first 10 months of this program, Furry Friends has been able to move more than 350 dogs and cats to safety, including those impacted by Hurricane Ian. They’re continuing to make a difference for these animals, and in 2023, they hope to double the size of their program and plan for 21 trips with continued support from our foundation.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

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Tip: To banish stress, breathe in, hold it, then let it out slowly.

“I’m so stressed.” How many times have you heard that from family, friends and just about anyone you encounter?  It often seems worse during the holidays, because so much is demanded of us with so little time to accomplish anything. No wonder there’s more stress, anxiety and tension - just thinking of that endless holiday to-do list can raise your blood pressure.

Bring it back down to normal with these five tips on how to manage holiday stress, before it wreaks havoc on your sleep or your peace of mind. Nobody wants those disturbed.

Gratitude. Be thankful for what you have. Most people are fully content in life without having an Aspen ski chalet or a 90-foot yacht. Psychologists have researched that, when you celebrate what you already have, you tend to be happier and healthier. With that, stress has less of a chance to take hold, and you’re less concerned about keeping up with the Kardashians.

Breathe. You’re in a mad rush to grab a bottle of wine for your best friend’s holiday party and the person on line in front of you forgot their wallet. While they shuffle off to get it in their car, you’re left in line waiting. And waiting. That’s when oxygen becomes your best friend. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold for a count of four, then let it out to the count of eight. Repeat five times and your mindset will shift from red hot to rosé all day.

Tip: It's proven. Playing with your pets calm and relax you.

Play with your pets. Fact: pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression. They have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which guard against heart problems. Even better? Playing with dogs or cats elevates your levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax you. Pets do so much for us, it’s only natural to want to reward them. Try Pork & Apple Sausage Treats for dogs or Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats for cats. Both are Y-U-M.

Let go of perfection. Throttle back on anxiety when your 9-year-old’s rendition of silent night needs more work before the holiday pageant. Instead of trying to improve it to the level of Mariah Carey, relax, sometimes it’s better to just let good enough be enough.

Don’t abandon your healthy habits. Yes, it’s snowing. Yes, it’s cold. But a short jog can help raise your spirits and get your endorphins flowing. Refreshing runs, or even a brisk walk, are a good start. Now keep up the good work by refreshing your skin. Keep that summer glow of yours from fading with our Facial Serum. A few drops is all it takes to revitalize, hydrate and pamper your skin. So now a petal-soft complexion is definitely in season.

Remember, the key for a happy, healthy holiday season and beyond is to catch stress before it starts - so you can concentrate better, sleep better and feel much better for the holidays.

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Tip: Signing up for our Autoship program will save you both time and money.

Challenging economic times make it harder to balance getting premium products for your family while also saving your wallet. We know how it is, which is why we spoke to our very own employee-owners to share money saving tips they’ve learned from personal experience as well as from our customers. Now you won’t have to sacrifice quality - ever again.

Sign Up For Autoship

One of the best ways to save money at Life’s Abundance is by using our Autoship program. You get discounted pricing when you add products to your Autoship, it’s absolutely free to enroll and has no minimum order requirement. It’s a loyalty discount program with big benefits.

You’ll never again have to make a late night run to the store when you’re running low on pet food, supplements or personal care items. Just choose how often you’d like your products shipped out and we’ll do the rest.

Saving both money and time? Everyone knows that’s a win-win.

Double Up Your Order

If you’re already enrolled in our Autoship program, you’re one step ahead. But did you know that you can save even more money by doubling your order? For example, if you order a bag of pet food today, you’ll pay $8.85 for shipping. But, if you order two bags today, you’ll still pay the same shipping rate. This way you can double up your Autoship order and schedule it to ship out less frequently - saving you on shipping.

This strategy will cut your shipping costs in half, and you’ll still receive the discounted Autoship pricing. Remember, your Autoship frequency can be set as far out as 4 months apart.

Special Insider tip: You may be thinking - “I don’t need two large bags of food, plus they’ll go bad.” Just check out our blog on how to store pet food, and you’ll be able to keep your furry friends’ kibble fresh for longer.

As an extra perk, by doing this, you’re helping out the environment by cutting down on your deliveries, reducing carbon emissions, and your packaging, saving trees.

Fill Up The Box

If you already trust the quality of one of our products, try other products from our people and pet lines. Make it easier on yourself by adding on to your already existing shipment - with supplements, skin care, pet treats or cleaning supplies. This way, you’re buying from a single source and it saves you money on shipping too! And, since you’ll be making the most of it and adding multiple products into the same package, this is a greener option for the environment.

Tip: Fill up your existing order by trying other products from our people and pet lines.

Skip “Oh Shoot” Day

Have you ever had that moment where it’s pup’s mealtime or you’re making your morning protein smoothie and you’re down to that last scoop in the bag - and you haven’t placed your order yet? “Oh shoot.” We’ve all been there, which is why it is important that you never wait until the last minute to ship your order since overnight shipping is super expensive. Even then, it still might take two days depending on the time of day you purchase. It’s better to have a week or two of extra product than pay extra at the very last minute.

Special Insider tip: If you can’t log into your account to ship your order, just find your last Autoship confirmation or tracking number email and reply to it with “SHIP NOW” and we will take care of the rest! Just make sure your credit card number is up to date. Easy peasy.

Don’t Give Up Quality And Safety

As we’ve mentioned before, you never want to give up quality or safety just to save a few extra bucks. After all, good health starts with good nutrition, and what would a trip to the doctor or vet cost you in time, money, and worry?

You do everything you can to keep your family healthy, and you also know it’s important to focus on the quality, and overall safety of the products they consume. That’s why here at Life’s Abundance, as an added layer of quality assurance, we’ve developed a unique recall system so advanced that when you purchase a product, we know what you received, all the way down to the lot number. We’ve never had a recall in over 20 years, but if there is ever an issue, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that all affected customers are contacted quickly. You would also hear from us by email and even through the mail. Without this direct outreach, most consumers would never hear about a recall.

We hope these tips help you while you’re buying products from Life’s Abundance. Happy Shopping and Happy Savings!

Have some Life’s Abundance money-saving tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!

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Tips For Waste Free Skin Care

We all know how frustrating it is when food  goes bad quickly - especially veggies or freshly baked breads. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably found some life hacks to make them last longer. Whether that’s with zip-top  bags, plastic wrap or storing them in the freezer, it’s a good feeling knowing you don’t have to throw out your groceries. But what about your furry friend’s kibble? Dog and cat foods have an expiration date just as our own food does, but there are steps you can take to keep the kibble as fresh as possible after opening.

Tightly Seal The Bag

You’re rushing one morning and you remember to fill your pet’s bowl, but you forget to seal the bag using one of your aforementioned hacks. You’re halfway to work before you realize your mistake but you figure there’s no harm in the bag being open for a few hours. However, doing this often can cause the kibble to go stale, or even worse, spoil completely. So taking that extra couple seconds to squeeze all of the air out of the bag and close it tight with our convenient built-in seal will ensure longer-lasting freshness.

Life's Abundance pet foods are made with convenient resealable bags.

Use Refrigeration

If you feel you must refrigerate your pet’s kibble, you may safely do so with our kibble. However, rather than storing the entire bag in the fridge, it is best to split up portions into zip top bags and draw them out one at a time. Never freeze the kibble as this can lead to unwanted moisture from the condensation and eventually a build up in bacteria. 

Put In A Storage Bin

You can put kibble in a storage bin as long as it is an airtight container. One of our best practices is to actually keep the food in the original bag and then store it in the airtight container. Just remember to always keep it clean and dry and that when you’re done filling up your furry friend’s bowl, you’re closing both the bag and the bin.

With these tips, you can feel confident that you’ll be giving your furry friend the freshest kibble possible at mealtime. “Bone” appetite!

Have any more tips for storing your dog or cat’s kibble? Share them with us in the comments below!

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Instead of tons of calories in an onion dip, try our tasty superfood recipe.

Don’t want to be stuck eating 5,000 calories-a-scoop onion dip at your best friend’s holiday soiree - yet fear being made fun of when you bring your favorite gluten-free, sugar-free, fun-free hors d'oeuvre? Add this flavorful superfood dip featuring our delicious Greens Blend to the potluck table and you’ll be the star of the party.

This dip is not only easy to make, it contains some of the most nutrient-dense foods out there - like spinach, garlic, beans, red peppers, and avocado. Not up on the latest benefits of these superfoods? Read below so you can school the mini-hotdog lovers scowling at the “health food”, they think, you’re trying to pass off as tasty. 

Beans are loaded with fiber and plant protein to help keep you full. They’re also an under-the-radar antioxidant hero - protecting your heart, improving your skin, and preventing heart disease.

Spinach is your leafy green BFF; it’s filled with antioxidants, most of its calories come from protein, and it’s one of the best sources of dietary potassium and iron. Plus, the Vitamins A and C it contains will help boost your immune system in these cold winter months.

Avocados contain over 25 essential nutrients and are one of the tastiest ways to get in some much-needed healthy fat and fiber. They’re loaded with monounsaturated fat, known to improve cholesterol and help you lose belly fat. They also contain the compound glutathione, which blocks the absorption of unhealthy fats. 

Did you know? Avocados contain glutathione which blocks the absorption of unhealthy fats.

Garlic is best known as the ingredient to avoid if you plan on getting face-to-face, it should be touted for its main disease-fighting compound, Allicin. Not only does it create healing in the circulatory, digestive and immune systems, it also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. 

Red Peppers contain beta carotene, lycopene, and skin-repairing Vitamin A, but their most impressive stat is the amount of the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C, they contain - twice as much as an orange. 

Rosemary has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries; traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth - fresh Rosemary tastes best. 

Around the Life’s Abundance office, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between deprivation and all-out gluttony. We know that in order to get anyone, whether it’s our kids or our friends, to get on the superfood bandwagon, we need to make them taste good, or there’s no getting them to take a second bite.

Whip up this 5-minute dip and guests will be overjoyed by its taste, plus the fact that they can now indulge in an extra cookie or two.

Recipe: 

• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
• 1 15.5 oz can cannellini beans
• 1 avocado
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
• 2 large cloves garlic
• Juice from 1 fresh lemon
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ red pepper finely diced (reserved)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a food processor or high-speed blender, puree all ingredients except the red pepper, until smooth. Stir in diced pepper, and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with crostini or sliced colored peppers and assorted veggies. Makes 1 ½ cups or about 8 servings.

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A minute ago she was feeling blah. See the difference a dog makes?

As pet parents, we’re thankful for our dogs and cats. They’re always there for us on the good days as well as the times when we have to deal with dark clouds. Well, that’s life.

But your pet’s unconditional love is all yours, no matter what. Adding to that are the shared times, the fun and the excitement of running with your dog in the park, tossing a frisbee into the distance or cuddling up with your sweet cat on the couch. Well, get used to it, pets add life to your life.

Pets Are Amazing

Pets are amazing and guess what, so are pet stories. People love them, and as a pet parent we’re guessing you have more than a few to tell. There’s no better time than Thanksgiving for that. Why? Because you're bound to be asked what you're thankful for at the Thanksgiving table.

You could answer with all the usual stuff … family, friends and happiness. We’re all grateful for them. But don’t forget to give thanks for your furry friends. So get your pet stories out for Thanksgiving. To inspire you, read on for three of our own tales about pet brilliance, love and companionship. 

JoJo Is Bilingual

You know dogs are smart, but JoJo is brilliant. His new family raves about his intelligence, but there’s one thing they didn’t know. When his original owner came for a visit, they discovered he had taught JoJo German. When he said “mach sitz”, Jojo would sit. When he said “platz” JoJo would lie down. JoJo responds to 16 German commands. After having JoJo for a few months, the kids in his new family, Melissa, nine, and Aaron, seven, mastered all 16 commands. Surprise, surprise, they’re now bilingual, because JoJo is bilingual.

Pets are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. No wonder we are so thankful for them.

A Paw Placed On Her Knee

A Labrador called Sam went missing. His owner, Lauren, was…well, no words can describe her anguish. Nobody should have to go through that. Lauren made “Sam is Missing” posters and drove around the neighborhood calling for him. But no luck. A day later the phone rang. Someone from miles away found Sam wandering along a road. No film script could capture the joy of Sam being reunited with his owner. To show his appreciation, whenever Lauren sat down, Sam would be there to lift his paw and place it gently on her knee. To this day he’s still doing it.

Dating Advice from Gilly

Everybody loves talking to their cat because they often see their pet as human. A friend we met at a cat show heartily agrees. She’s forever talking to her cat, Gilly, asking about the guys she’s dating. Surprisingly, she gets meows of advice. Jonathan tops the feline popularity list with two meows. Marc is a close second with one meow. Poor Marc. As thanks for being such a good advisor Gilly is being included in the turkey festivities with Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats. So, happily it’ll be “turkey for all” on Thanksgiving Day.

Okay now, the spotlight’s on you for your own Thanksgiving pet stories. So go for it.

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Tip: Find a Beauty Bar with clean, botanical ingredients to nourish your skin.

Touchable results. Vibrant, healthfully nourished skin that retains moisture. A feast for your senses … beauty bars are back with all their nutrient richness. 

We’re talking about fresh, new soap formulations to pamper yourself and feel you’re doing the absolute best for your skin’s health with fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants and calcium.

The word is out on the soothing and calming effects of Beauty Bars. Their praises are being sung in salons, gyms, health clubs and on social media. Have you noticed? People are raving about how great they are. But great is only the beginning. Because more importantly, the right way to describe the new Beauty Bars is to say, “they really work”.  For us that’s huge.  Because we know people who are forever buying products but come away feeling a little let down -- their high hopes are not quite met. Sound familiar to you? But the new Beauty Bars are different, so write this memo to yourself: No let downs here.

Okay, we said Beauty Bars are back which immediately prompts the question, where have they been all your life? Like us you’ve probably been using facial cleansers. They’ve been on everyone’s shelf for a long time. But the scientists working in product labs have been making breakthroughs. They’ve been developing new beauty formulations by asking important questions.

Questions like, what if we combine plant-based ingredients in a bar that avoid sulfates, chemicals and harmful additives. Or ... what if we aim for a range of scented soaps that, for once, don’t irritate the skin. Then there are exfoliants. Could we start with gentle lathering agents then add fine sea-salt or tiny, almost microscopic crystals that exfoliate without damaging sensitive skin.

Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to pull toxins from pores.

And what about hydration? If you think like us, that’s the key. So, can the new soaps help with that? The answer is yes, but here’s the thing, even with a good facial cleanser you still need to finish with a moisturizer. The same is true with Beauty Bars, but you’ll be pleased to know skin experts have made many of them hydrating in the best way. Adding glycerin and ceramides sees to that. In plain English, Ceramides retain the skin’s moisture and seal out harmful elements.

Explore Beauty Bars and you’ll discover organic, botanical ingredients play a key role. Which is why a light lathering session leaves you feeling relaxed and radiant. It’s a bit like a mini visit to a day spa. The development labs have created rejuvenating formulations that allow you to add a luster to your skin. How do we know this? A friend who is forever experimenting, lathered up several different beauty bars, rinsed away the bubbles and started taking selfies to compare the results. She used bars with fragrance, bars without, and bars with the fresh scent of essential oils. But what came first for her was a need for gentleness and a soft finish to the skin.

Gentleness is essential when you understand how your skin is formed. It’s developed in layers, taking about three weeks for the innermost layer to emerge on the surface. So even if you’re around 30, your skin is only about three weeks old – which is reason enough to treat it like a baby. 

For that there is a sea salt cleansing Beauty Bar we love as it also soothes, calms and hydrates your skin. It’s our Charcoal and Sea Salt Soap. It’s made with tea tree oil distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca plant found in Australia. Its skin care benefits are many but the most important one is its ability to soothe the skin. Activated charcoal creates tiny internal spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it extremely absorbent. When applied to the skin, it acts like a magnet by sticking to and pulling out dirt, oil and toxins from pores, providing a deep clean and clearer skin. Science triumphs and you benefit.

Now that you've got a clean fresh foundation you’re ready to apply your moisturizer.

You may have stopped growing but your skin hasn’t. Mother Nature provides you with new skin every three weeks -- then it’s up to you to maintain it and a beauty bar is the best tool in your skincare arsenal.

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Tip: It's important to have basic commands taught to avoid unwanted jumping.

As pet parents, we wish we could bring our furry friends with us everywhere we go. Luckily, pet-friendly events exist where our dogs can gather with others and socialize, as we chat and eat or listen to music with like-minded people. Whether it’s at a festival, restaurant, or other public event, these 5 tips will help to keep your pet safe and happy.

Think About Your Pup

You know your pet best, so you’ll know if they’re comfortable being out in public places or not. If they get anxious easily or nervous by loud sounds or crowds, it might be best to keep your pup at home. But if they seem relaxed when around other people and especially other pets, then feel free to leash them up and take them along.

Check For Their Tags

Before leaving for an event, make sure they have a well-fitted collar with updated tags. Unexpected loud sounds could cause your pup to run off, so it’s important to check that their tags are up to date with your correct phone number in case they get lost. And if they have a chip, then double check that information is current as well.

Pack a Bag

While you’re getting them ready to go, pack a bag with all of their essentials. You’ll want to bring healthy, delicious treats for them to snack on, especially if you’re enjoying food at the event on your own - and don’t forget water as well! Dogs, especially those with a lot of fur, can get heat exhaustion at outdoor events, so make sure they have access to clean water at all times to keep them hydrated. While you’re enjoying the event, you want your furry friend to be entertained as well, so pack their favorite squeaky toy for them to play with.

Tip: Make sure your dog is comfortable around other people and pets prior to taking them out and about.

Have The Basics Down

Not only is this a safety tip, but it’s also an etiquette tip. You might have a dog that loves to jump and play rough, but some pet parents might not be too fond of that. This is where it’s important to have the basic commands down, such as “sit” and “stay.” If a person, or their dog, approaches and your dog is getting too excited, tell them to “sit” to avoid any unwanted jumping on others. Be sure to reward them with yummy treats for their good behavior!

Be On The Lookout

You never know what could be a potential danger to your pup at events. This could be anything on the ground or within reach including broken glass bottles or foods they shouldn’t eat. Always keep an eye on your dog and keep their leash on in case there’s anything around that could endanger them or make them sick.

When taking your dog to an event, you’ll likely have to focus more on them than the event itself in order to keep them safe and happy. However, as loving pet parents, this is a small price to pay for having our loyal companions by our sides.

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Tip: Use healthier ingredient alternatives in your recipes to create just-as-delicious holiday meals.

We’ve all been there. You’ve finally managed to get your wellness goals on track, but then the holidays roll around. The spirit of the season along with decorating, gift shopping and delicious food and desserts can sometimes result in your health taking a backseat - but this is totally normal.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so the last thing you should do is beat yourself up over a slice of pie or a festive cocktail. So, while you’re indulging in the festivities with your friends and family, here are some realistic ways to stay healthy through the holidays.

Rethink Your Fitness Routine 

You’re not alone if you think of the holidays as one big festive blur. With parties to attend and travel arrangements to make, it’s easy to forget to schedule your normal fitness routine. There’s no problem with giving yourself a bit of a break during the holidays - as long as you keep your body moving. 

For example, instead of hitting the gym 5-6 times a week, try a goal of 3-4 times a week. Or, if you normally work out for an hour a day, know that even 20 minutes of weight training or a HIIT workout is enough. This leaves more time for holiday activities while still getting in a good sweat and still have time for holiday fun. 

Tip: While your loved ones are visiting, suggest taking a walk together to get a little movement in your day.

Another idea you can incorporate into your fitness routine is including your loved ones. They’re likely visiting you for the holidays, so what better way to spend time together and feel great than by taking a stroll to check out the holiday lights or doing a yoga class to unwind after a long day of holiday shopping.

Healthy Holiday Substitutes

If your schedule is getting a bit too busy to incorporate a workout, there are always changes you can make in the kitchen. One of the best parts of the holidays is there’s no shortage of delicious food and drinks. You might normally take one look and feel a sudden pang of guilt, but in reality, you don’t have to indulge.

It’s time to rethink the idea that all delicious desserts have to be a guilty pleasure. Instead of cutting yourself off, try healthier options. There are plenty of healthy dessert recipes out there that are perfect for the holidays. 

Happy Holidays to you and your family. With these simple tips you’ll be feeling much better come January 2nd.

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