How would you like to sail through the holidays this year with extra energy NOT extra weight?
By doing just a few things to support your health and nourish your body the holidays can be a time to reconnect and enjoy without the brain fog and exhaustion that often ensues after festivities.
1. Eat a healthy protein rich snack
like a small handful of seeds and almonds or a smoothie before heading out to a party to avoid over indulging on heavy hor d’oeuvres.
2. Don’t skimp on sleep!
While you’re sleeping, your body uses this time to detoxify and regenerate. Sleep also plays a major role in regulating the hormones that support a healthy body weight.
3. Schedule time to eat without rushing...
and make sure to maintain optimal gut health by regularly consuming fermented foods, such as fermented vegetables, or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement. Scientific evidence shows that nourishing your gut flora with the friendly bacteria in fermented foods or probiotics is extremely important for immune health and proper brain function, including psychological well-being and mood control. No one wishes for fighting the blues or a cold during the holidays!
4. Get your vitamin D
to avoid the bah humbug blues! Cod liver oil, sustainably raised shrimp, sardines, eggs and raw milk are excellent food sources that are rich in vitamin D.
5. Avoid the sugar and alcohol hangover
by sipping on sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and orange and a few sprigs of rosemary for a festive tasting non alcoholic beverage. Drink ample amounts of liquids like water and herbal tea throughout the day to stay hydrated. Dehydration often presents itself falsely as hunger and fatigue, leading one to graze on the sugary treats that lurk in every office during the holidays.
6. Get out and enjoy nature!
Exercise and fresh air are crucial to strong health, stress management and mood so take some time to enjoy a walk, a hike or a ski!
7. Reduce holiday stress
by making a concerted effort to realign the focus of the holiday to reflect its spiritual message rather than the commercial one. You may need to discuss how you and your family will do this, as it can take many forms depending on your beliefs.