Top Tips To Feel Great Over The Holidays

With the literal smorgasbord of delicious food that often presents itself during the holiday season, it can be a very stressful time for those wanting to eat more healthily. Often, we will just succumb to the season and make peace with full bellies and lots of naps, and that’s fine, but if you want to keep some pep in your step over the holidays, there are some simple things you can do to.

Get Your Greens!

Try a new vegetable or fruit once a week to see if you like it – just because you didn’t like Brussels sprouts as a kid doesn’t mean you wont like them now. Think of ‘adding in’ and looking for creative ways to get more of the greens. An easy addition in my holiday mix is Nuzest Good Green Vitality. It’s great in a smoothie over these warmer months.

Swapsies!

There is no reason to deprive yourself over the holidays – there are heaps of recipes for nutrient rich desserts that are just as decadent as the real thing. Do a search online for your favourite treat and simply add the word “healthy” in the front of it. For many of them, you’ll never know the difference. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have your faves – but in between it’s a nice way to get a few more nutrients.

Make It About Quality vs Quantity

There are so many delicious treats out there this time of year, and there is nothing morally wrong with eating any of them. But why waste feeling good on a mediocre treat? Eat the foods that make your soul sing, and the best quality possible. If you take the time to thoroughly enjoy them, and be grateful, you’ll find you’re less likely to over do it.

Start Moving!

Commit to a realistic amount of time each week to move your body .Try out different types of movement until you find something that you enjoy. It’s easy to incorporate movement into our daily routine; especially when the sun is shining! Enjoy some gardening, some evening beach walks or simply putting on some of your favourite Christmas tunes and bop around while you clean or cook.

Take Some Time To Relax

Seriously! The holidays can be a very stressful time for some and stress is never good for our health. Take some time to relax doing the things that fill you up! Read a book, go to the beach, whatever it is that brings you joy – do it.

Stay Hydrated

Did you know our hunger increases by 25% when we’re thirsty? Make sure to carry a water bottle with you at all times and for every glass of alcohol you have over the holidays make sure to drink a glass or two of water – bubbly is fine!

Set Small But Sustainable Goals Over The Holidays

Goals can be as simple as drinking more water or doing stretches at the office. We sometimes think we need to do a complete overhaul for results but research shows that small steps can lead to more sustainable changes.

Practice Mindful Eating

Christmas dinners are well known for bloated tummies and afternoon naps. To prevent this simply try slowing down at the dinner table. Take some deep breaths prior to eating, be grateful for the food you’re about to eat, enjoy the flavours and the aromas and put your fork down in between bites so you can truly appreciate the tastes on your tongue. Had enough? No need to eat it all – save some for tomorrow (I’m sure there is plenty more where that came from!).

Practice Compassion

The holidays are a time to relax and enjoy time with family – so you had a piece of Christmas cake – big deal! Crowd in some fresh greens and other healthy delicious foods and you’re still winning.

Enjoy Some “Vitamin L”

Taking care of our health is so important over the holidays but we also need to enjoy time with family and friends and reduce stress about eating. Vitamin L – or love is a powerful nutrient that only comes from food enjoyed with good company. Make sure to get a good dose these holidays!

The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is general advice. It should not, nor is it intended to be, relied on as a substitute for individual medical advice or care. If the contents of this, or any other of the blogs in this series raises any concerns or questions regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.