Dr. Aaron Prinkey knows that food is fuel for the body, so he avoids processed products.

Student Center employee Eva Espey tries eating healthy around the holidays so she looks and feels great.

University nurse Heather Capo avoids situations that lead to extra stress during the holiday season.

Dr. Prinkey, of Pittsburgh Chiropractic Plus, will be hosting an Eating Healthy and Alleviating Stress Through the Holidays workshop from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m on Nov. 13 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, located at 612 Smithfield.

“Eat whole, unprocessed foods for better health, but if you do choose to indulge, do it infrequently and consume very small amounts,” Prinkey said.

The workshop will focus on relieving personal stress, incorporating moderation and substitution into your daily routine along with many other ways to avoid gaining extra weight when the holidays come back around.

According to Dr. Prinkey, it’s easy to substitute high calorie products during the holidays and in your everyday life. When it comes to refined sugars, swap them for fruits, dates and honey. Dairy can be substituted for almond or coconut milk and margarine with butter, or in many cases, coconut oil.

This is the first time the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Downtown location will be hosting a health workshop during lunch hour, according to event coordinator LaMonica Wiggins.

“We are hoping that those who attend will get something out of it, and that the event will be interactive,” Wiggins said.

Being at home over the holidays and summer breaks helps Espey stay fit and relaxed.

“I think it’s a lot easier being home because I’m able to buy a lot more fresh produce, and I have a car there, so I can make it to the gym often,” Espey said.

Taking a step back and really looking at a situation helps Capo get through her holiday stress.

“Try to ask yourself questions like, ‘Is it worth having conflict with someone, or is it easier to keep things on a friendly level?’” Capo said.

Dr. Prinkey is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and has held hundreds of events similar to the Eating Healthy and Alleviating Stress Through the Holidays workshop. He incorporates nutrition, fitness and stress management into his treatments.

“Keep focused on what you are grateful for, what you enjoy and what you love and appreciate about your friends and family,” Prinkey said.