The holidays are fast approaching, which often means quality time with friends and family, gifting tokens of appreciation, relaxation (hopefully!) and a whole lot of cookies, eggnog and indulgent dinners with loved ones. We really believe in adopting a positive but lenient mindset this time of year and truly enjoying these moments by not depriving ourselves of the indulgences that may come with it. However life is all about balance, so while we encourage a more relaxed lifestyle over the holidays it is also important to continue to nourish and respect your body to provide you with the nutrients and energy to glow throughout the holiday season! We’ve outlined a few tips that we like to follow to take the stress out of trying to stay healthy and (somewhat) balanced this month:
Stay Hydrated – often times we mistaken hunger for thirst, so we recommend drinking a large glass of water and waiting 20 minutes to re-evaluate your level of hunger when you think you may be hungry. If you consume water frequently at a family dinner you are also less likely to eat more than your body is asking for. Aside from this, staying hydrated is important for all bodily functions including detoxification, blood pressure control and bowel function. If you know you will be consuming alcohol, make sure to hydrate even more than you usually would and consume a glass of water in between each drink to avoid dehydration and the dreaded hangover.
Eat Before You Go Out – often times when people know there is going to be a large meal for dinner, they’ll skip breakfast or lunch so they can indulge later. This isn’t the best idea as it is much harder to make healthy choices when you are hungry, and you will likely eat more than you normally would. A heavy meal high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fat and sugar will only leave you feeling sluggish, so we recommend eating a meal rich in quality protein and fats 2-3 hours before heading out. This will keep you satiated enough that your hunger isn’t ravenous, and will help prevent over consumption of easily accessible treats. Try a small bowl of soup, a salad with chicken or boiled eggs, an apple with almond butter, vegetables and hummus or a lettuce wrap.
Don’t Forget the Produce – It’s easy to get sucked into the excitement of your favorite dishes at family dinners and end up with a plate void of color or vegetables. Before reaching for the scoop for your favorite casserole, fill up half of your plate with veggies. If you know these will be minimal, bring your own vegetables or make a salad so you know you will at least have that option (and everyone else can enjoy it too!). Vegetables also contain phytonutrients and antioxidants which help boost your immune system and protect against any infections that are often lingering around this time of year.
Mindful Eating – this is great to practice all the time, but it becomes really useful 
during times when overindulgence is so easy. Mindful eating is the act of being aware and present in the moment during meals. This means you are taking time to taste, chew and enjoy your food thoroughly with each bite, rather than aimlessly consuming mounds of food without realizing it. You may find it helpful to put down your fork between each bite and carry on a conversation or sip some water before digging in again. It can be hard at first, especially when the temptation of a buffet style meal is in front of you but it allows you to enjoy the meal more and improves digestion. Often times you will end up eating less as your stomach has time to signal to your brain that it is full and satisfied.
Choose Drinks with Minimal Sugar – if you choose to consume alcohol over the holidays, try to remain conscious of how many drinks you are consuming, and don’t forget to hydrate with water between drinks. It is often better to choose clear liquors that are mixed with soda water and fruit rather than sugary drinks such as juice, pop or eggnog. If you prefer pre-mixed drinks or wine read the sugar content before purchasing and be mindful of how much sugar is in one serving. Drinks with a high sugar content will spike your blood glucose, leave you feeling sluggish and only contribute to the hangover more.
Rest and Relax – It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that we forget to take time for ourselves to relax and catch up on much needed sleep. When the invitations for gatherings start to roll in jot them in your calendar, and then decide which ones you may not be able to make it to this year. It is okay to say no. If you try to take on more than your body can handle you will only end up burnt out and feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. This is your holiday too, so listen to your body and respect yourself when you need a little self-care and relaxation. Unwind by watching a movie in your pajamas, reading a book, going to a yoga class or going to bed that extra hour earlier.
Keep Moving – A lot of the times the holidays are go-go-go and movement is the last thing many people want more of. But then again, there are many times when you may find yourself laying on the couch all day covered in grandma’s shortbreads. Keep in mind that it is important to stay active during the holidays, especially if you indulge more than usual. If you like more scheduled workouts, jot in some time in your calendar each day or every second day when you can go to the gym, do yoga or an at home workout video or go for a walk with a friend or family member. However, exercise doesn’t have to be scheduled – going skating, building a snowman or cutting down a holiday tree are all activities that will get you moving and you won’t feel like you’re consciously exercising.
Embrace the Season! – Most importantly, let yourself enjoy your holidays, spend that quality time with your loved ones and enjoy your favorite dishes and desserts in moderation!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 🙂
