With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas arriving next month, I think it is safe to say that we have now officially entered the holiday season! What an exciting time of the year this is! However, for many of us, the holidays also bring a lot of stress – not only psychologically but also physically with all of the running around, lack of sunlight, colder temperatures and all of the not-so-healthy foods we like to enjoy during that time of the year. Thankfully, I have got your back this year! Indeed, I have prepared for you a mini-guide to help you navigate the holidays season with more ease and with increased health and vitality. These are my top: 7 Tips To Keep You Healthy During The Holidays.

I can guarantee you that if you follow even some of these tips, you will feel a whole lot better throughout this holiday season. Say good bye to fatigue, bloating, migraines, colds, … and all of those pesky symptoms that can ruin your time with family and friends. These tips are here to help you reduce or even eliminate them completely. Happy Holidays!

7 Tips To Keep You Healthy During The Holidays:

1. Keep Moving

Giving how hectic the holiday season can be, I am sure that moving your body is the last thing you want to do. Nevertheless, keeping a daily exercising routine throughout the holidays can be extremely beneficial for your body. Activities, such as, going for a light jog, walking in the park, doing some gentle yoga, or a quick at home HIIT circuit, will not only boost your immune system but they will also improve your digestion, sleep and mood. So keep it moving this holiday season!

2. Stay Hydrated

It is so important to remain hydrated during the holidays. Drinking plenty of water in between your meals will help you with your energy levels and it will also assist your body in detoxifying – i.e. keeping toxins out of your system. Tips to drink more water this holiday season:

• Start your day with a big glass of warm water with lemon and/or ginger added to it
• Prepare your own turmeric/ginger or cinnamon/mint infusions to sip on throughout the day
• Bring a re-usable bottle of water with you everywhere you go.
• If you choose to drink alcohol – For every glass of alcohol, drink 2 of water (1 before & 1 after your alcoholic beverage)

3. Bring Your Own Food/ Make It Yourself

Whether you are hosting a big party this year or attending one, there is no better way to ensure a healthy meal, then to make it yourself at home. You then have full control of what you put into your body. Choose healthy and whole (unprocessed) ingredients to prepare some of your favourite holidays’ dishes. For comfort foods or sweet treats, it is the best solution to have your cake and eat it too ;).

A few holidays-friendly treats:

• This Banana Bread
• These Chocolate Truffles
• These Pomegranate-Chocolate Cups

4. Load up on Vegetables (GREENS especially)

Make sure your plate is 1/2 to 2/3 full of healthy green vegetables and roasted seasonal veggies. Great examples green beans, sautéed collard greens, roasted pumpkin, or sweet potatoes. Vegetables are filled with healthy fibers and water-content. This will enhance your digestion and fill you up before you reach for that sugary pie… Oh and please, try to skip the heavy sauces when choosing your sides.

5. “Treat” Yourself Wisely

There is always a plethora of temptations during the holidays. And unfortunately, a lot of those treats are usually made with artificial sweeteners, preservatives and other nasty chemicals. So avoid them altogether by making your favourite treats at home and from scratch – choose better ingredients. If you are invited to a party, bring a healthy dessert along with you to avoid the less healthier options. Finally, if you really want to indulge in your favourite treat, then choose ONE wisely and savour it. Don’t overdo it with the indulgences…

6. Eat Mindfully

This pretty much sums up the previous tips related to food. The holidays are a great time to get together and share a delicious meal. However, make sure you are fully present for the experience. Here are some tips:

• Don’t show up at the table starving. Do not skip the previous meal to avoid overeating.
• If there is a buffet, take a good look at the options first instead of filling up your plate mindlessly
• If at home, try to fill your plate from light to heavier foods- start with the salads, soups and vegetables dishes to avoid overloading your plate with the heavier protein and carbs dishes.
• Enjoy your plate with all of your senses (sight, smell, touch, taste…)
• Take the time to CHEW your food. There is no rush.
• Let your food go down for 10 minutes before going for seconds. Again, this is to avoid overeating.

7. Sleep it Off

This one is often overlooked, especially during the holidays. But sleep is super important to properly regulate your appetite, for healthy weight management, good energy levels, and of course for a strong immune system and healthy digestion. Hence, maintain a good sleeping habit during the holidays. Oh, and go ahead… get in that extra sleep too, whenever possible :).

And there you have it, folks, my top: 7 Tips To Keep You Healthy During The Holidays.

Wishing you all a great holiday season!

Stay vibrant,

Sarah.