The holiday rush is upon us!  Rev up your energy and stamina with these healthy holiday shopping tips:

Don’t leave home on empty.  If you’re spending the day at the mall, eat a filling breakfast for the energy you’ll need to gather gifts on the list you’ve made (and checked twice, of course).  These quick-to-fix breakfast ideas will have you nourished and ready to shop in no time.

Be smart about snacking. Save money –and calories–by bringing nutritious snacks with you instead of having to rely on the food court for a bite to eat.  Slip a piece of sturdy fresh fruit, such as an apple or orange, into your purse for a quick snack.  Bring along a portable lunch, like a peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread.  Tote a fruit-and-nut-filled Open Nature Honey Nut bar or a package of Open Nature Freeze Dried Fruit (I’m partial to the Harvest Blend variety) to munch when you start to feel the shopping drag.  And don’t forget to bring a bottle of Refreshe water to keep you hydrated! 

Move it. Boost activity during your shopping spree with these ideas:

• Forget front and center!  Even if you arrive early to the mall, park your car farther out in the lot, not near the door.

• Climb the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

• Pick up the pace and walk briskly between stores.

• Make trips to and from your car with packages to add a little extra calorie burn to your day.

How do you survive the holiday shopping rush?