The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. With the family gatherings, office parties, and the temptation of delicious foods everywhere you turn, it can be easy to let healthy habits slide. But staying healthy during the holidays is possible with a bit of planning, mindfulness, and balance. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy the season without sacrificing your wellbeing.
Have a Plan for Your Nutrition and Meals
The holiday season often revolves around food, it can be challenging to stick to a balanced diet. And while we certainly still want to enjoy ourselves, if you have health and nutrition goals you’re trying to achieve, some extra planning can go a long way to hitting these goals and having a enjoying yourself.
Portion Control: Rather than loading up your plate with everything in sight, aim to fill it with smaller portions of a variety of dishes. This way, you can savor the flavors without overeating and know how much you’ve consumed.
Healthy Swaps: If you're hosting a holiday meal or bringing a dish, consider offering some healthier options. A roasted vegetable platter or a fruit salad can be just as festive as a tray of cookies.
Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor every bite. By eating slowly and being present, you'll feel more satisfied and less likely to overeat. Pay attention to how your body feels when you start to feel full.
Stay Active with Seasonal Activities
The holiday season doesn't have to mean giving up physical activity. In fact, staying active can boost your energy levels, help combat holiday stress, and make you feel better overall.
Walk After Meals: One of the easiest ways to stay active is by taking a walk after your meals, a short walk can aid digestion and prevent that sluggish feeling. It’s also a great family friendly activity, perfect for the holidays.
Get out and about: The great thing about Christmas time in Australia is the stunning summer weather. If you’re in the tropics like us it can get a little wild but pick an activity that suits you and your area. This can be swimming, hiking, cycling, or even surfing!
Dancing and Playing Games: During family gatherings, don’t shy away from dancing to holiday tunes or playing interactive games like charades or holiday trivia. These activities are fun ways to get your body moving.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It’s easy to forget to drink water during the holiday season when you’re likely surrounded by more interesting drinks! However, staying hydrated is key to feeling your best and keeping your energy levels high.
Water First: Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before every meal and snack. It can help curb hunger and ensure you're staying hydrated amidst all the festive drinks.
Limit Sugary Drinks: While indulging in a holiday cocktail or seasonal drink is fine in moderation, try to balance it out with water, herbal teas, or sparkling water with a splash of citrus. This will help you avoid dehydration and excessive sugar consumption.
4. Prioritize Sleep
The holiday season can be busy, with late-night gatherings, travel, and lots of excitement. However, lack of sleep can leave you feeling drained, stressed, and more susceptible to illness.
Maintain a Routine: Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even if your evenings are packed with events. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night will help you feel rested and rejuvenated.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual: If you're feeling stressed about holiday preparations or family dynamics, consider winding down with a calming routine before bed. A warm bath, reading a book, or quick 5-10 minute guided meditation can help you get into a relaxed state and improve the quality of your sleep.
Natural Sleeping Aids: From a nutrition perspective you could try magnesium citrate, melatonin, or ashwagandha, all of which have been shown to improve sleep.
Wrap Up
The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health. By being mindful of what you eat, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, you can enjoy the festivities without feeling run down. Remember, health is all about balance, so don’t stress over perfection. With a little planning and self-care, you can embrace the joy of the season and emerge feeling both happy and healthy.
