How To Stay Healthy & Balanced This Holiday Season

Deprivation is not allowed in my books and definitely should not be a part of your end of year celebrations! However, I understand the temptation to over-indulge in food and drink is a lot more present during the silly season!

Healthy living is about enjoying everything in moderation!

This is your nutritionist-approved guide to living well over the silly season. These simple tips and ideas you can incorporate into your day and week to ensure you stay healthy and balanced this holiday season, whether at home or abroad.

1. Start your day with warm water and 1-2 tbsp of raw apple cider vinegar.
   This will kick start your digestion, support your liver and help to alkalize your body.  
2. Drink more water
   Hydration is key to surviving the Christmas party season. If you are drinking more alcohol you need to step up your hydration game because as we all know – it’s really dehydrating to our bodies. Without enough water, we are unable to perform at our best. Water is the easiest way to rehydrate, you could also enjoy coconut water, herbal teas, a freshly made vegetable juice. Aim to drink a minimum of 2 litres of water daily.  
3. Eat at least 6 servings (fist size) of vegetables daily
   Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibre which our bodies need to thrive. It can be easy to skimp on veggies at a BBQ or Christmas party when there are so many other yummy food options available. But do yourself a favour and load up half of your plate with veggies!  
4. Sleep more (get to bed early when you can!)
   Sleep is something we all need more of during the silly season. If your energy is low I recommend you have a night or two off to ensure you get good quality nights sleep. Sleep allows our bodies to restore itself. 
5. Make healthy swaps
   These days there are always healthy swaps around. Here are some of my fave easy food swaps which really make a difference. 
6. Don’t deprive yourself
   Give yourself permission to enjoy all foods in small amounts – moderation is everything. Depriving yourself of food often leads to overeating or feeling anxious around food later.  If you have “unhealthy foods” allow yourself to enjoy it and eat it mindfully. 
7. Limit alcohol consumption (stop at 2-3 drinks – sorry!)
   Alcohol overloads your liver with toxins which will not make you feel your absolute best. Opt for healthier options such as vodka, fresh lime and soda, or stick to 2-3 drinks a night, and try to get a few alcohol free nights in each week. 
8. Move that bod
   It helps to keep the metabolism pumping, helping to remove and eliminate toxins. Exercise also releases endorphins to make you feel good, this can also help to distress and relax you. Aim to move your body for 20-30 minutes daily (or at least 4-5x each week). 
9. Going to a party? Inspire friend and family by taking a healthy dish
   Make a delicious healthy salad with lots of greens in it, or take a protein dish to enjoy as a main. If you’re on dessert, try some of my favourite healthy desserts from my ‘sweet treats‘ section: homemade raw chocolate, raw chocolate vegan pie, healthier chocolate raspberry brownies, raw caramel slice, zesty lemon slice.  
10. Take a night off – it’so okay to say no
    Our diaries get booked, so why not take this opportunity to plan a few nights off from socializing. It can be exhausting, and actually, have a ‘holiday’ during the holiday season. It may be just what you need!  

11. Be kind to yourself – practice self-love and forgiveness
    Don’t put yourself under pressure to eat perfectly. This is a time of year to relax and unwind a little more than usual. Rather enjoy the moment, give yourself permission to indulge guilt-free. If you splurge, move on, don’t let it ruin your holiday. 

12. Add in supplements
    There are many factors to consider when it comes to weight loss, one being nutrient deficiencies. This could be from poor dietary choices, poor lifestyle choices, high-stress levels, low digestive enzymes, imbalance of gut bacteria leading to poor nutrient absorption. This is where supplements can come in handy.

    Tomorrow is my last day for my FREE 15 minute supplement review (in clinic or via Skype) to help and support you over this silly season when you may be eating and drinking more than usual. As this often leads to overindulging, additional weight gain, leading to more digestive symptoms than usual, such as bloating, indigestion, stomach cramps, constipation, or it can leave you feel flat, tired and unmotivated.

    BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY to go through your goals, any health issues you may have, your current supplement regime (if you have one), or we can discuss a specific supplement plan for you if you would like one. Click here to find out more.

 Nat xx