5 Simple Steps to Encourage Healthy Choices This Holiday Season
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Anyone else feel like they enter the holiday season with good intentions and then, contrary to these intentions, enter the New Year with a sugar hangover?
As the holidays ramp up, take a moment to add these simple steps into your routine. Download our e-book of corresponding recipes to support this worthwhile goal to be a part of all the celebration, while continuing to make choices that you feel good about.
I’m going to guess that you already have an idea of what your body needs from you this holiday season, so here’s a gentle reminder that you’re worth it and there are simple ways to continue making healthier choices during the holiday season without landing in a place of lack or regret.
Drink, Drink, Drink (Water That Is).
During times of stress, celebration, and running around, it is quite easy to become dehydrated. Try starting your morning off with a glass of water right when you wake. In fact, keep it by your bedside table overnight, so that it is ready to go the second you sit up. Carry a water bottle around with you throughout the day (and don’t forget to drink it!). When imbibing, drink a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages. Make it more appealing by drinking sparkling water or infusing water with herbs or citrus. Whatever way you choose to get more water into your life, know that you’re doing something good for your digestion, immune system, and maintaining beautiful skin throughout the holiday season.
Get Your Veggie On.
Aim to have vegetables with every meal. This can be as simple as adding a side salad to your meal(s). Breakfast is an optimal time to get vegetables into your day. By starting your day with some greens, you are more likely to continue making healthier choices throughout your day. I really enjoy adding a simple breakfast salad to my morning (for the recipe download this e-book). I still have the standard eggs for breakfast, I just get the added bonus of nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber to satiate and promote proper digestion.
Don’t Fear Holiday Parties
The easiest way to ensure that there will be something that you feel good about eating is to bring a dish to share. It’s polite to ask the host(ess) if it would be okay if you brought fill in the blank to share. Opt to make a plant rich dish that everyone will appreciate. This way you have your vegetable bases covered and anything extra is an added bonus.
Enjoy!
It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in what we can and cannot eat or feel overwhelmed by dietary restrictions. Take this as an opportunity to practice flexibility, as opposed to letting food fears and anxieties lead to isolation or feelings of lack. If your body allows, enjoy a cookie or slice of pie in the company of those you love.
Rest.
Holidays can be busy. Make sure that you plan or schedule (literally build it into your calendar) down time for yourself. Take this time to sleep in, stretch, watch a movie, walk in nature, cuddle your pet (or partner!), whatever works for you. I like to sit by a fire, while reading a good book and sipping on a Golden Turmeric Milk.
At the end of the day, this time of year is meant to be a time of peace, joy, and reflection. It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in running around and buying gifts, but let’s remember that the greatest gifts are those acts of self respect and laughter with others. Treat your body how you deserve to be treated and enjoy moments of shared meals with people that you love.
Download this free e-book of 5 simple recipes to support your healthy choices during the holidays.
Do you have any tips for feeling good throughout the holidays? Share in the comments section below.
