How To Stay Healthy During The Festive Season

Dec 19, 2016 | Nutrition

This is your guide to living well so you can feel amazing this December. I know this time of year can feel hectic. Juggling work, social events, holidays and trying to keep your health in check. Doing too much can get you run down (I know I’m sure feeling the pressure). Routines often go flying out the door, energy levels drop, digestion gets out of whack however, there are some things you can do to look after yourself. 

Here are my simple tips & ideas which you can incorporate into your day that will help to ensure you stay healthy and on track throughout your holidays, whether at home or abroad.

  • Continue to keep up your healthy routines and eating habits. 
    Just because the silly season is upon us it doesn’t mean you should throw out all the hard work you have done this year. I still try to exercise 4-5x per week and start my day with a glass of warm water and apple cider vinegar, then follow this with a healthy breakfast. 
  • Hydrate!
    Hydration is key to surviving the Christmas party season. If you are drinking alcohol you need to step up your hydration game because as you know – it’s really dehydrating to your body. Water is the easiest way to rehydrate, you could also enjoy coconut water, herbal teas, a freshly made vegetable juice.
    I always take a water bottle with me everywhere I go. At least 2 litres of water will plump your skin, get you hydrated and have you glowing in no time!  
  • 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’d recommend you have a night or two off, to ensure you get a good quality nights sleep. 8 hours each night when possible! 
  • Make healthy swaps.
    These days there is always a healthy swap around. You can find some of my favourtie healthy swaps on my nutrition advice page. 
  • Eat 2 handfuls of leafy greens each day, or boost your diet with a green powder.
    I’ve added Nuzest Good Green Stuff to my diet daily recently. 
  • 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.  
  • Love your liver!
    It’s your body’s main detoxifying organ, during the holiday season it can get overloaded, partially from alcohol and sugar. Try consuming more leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale), onions, garlic, carrots, beetroot, or enjoy liver detox teas. 
  • Limit alcohol consumption (stop drinking a few drinks earlier than usual).
    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 1-2 drinks a night, and try to get a few alcohol free nights in each week. 
  • Beat sugar cravings.
    Make sure you add additional protein and fat to each of your meals. This will ensure your meals are balanced and you stay satiated for longer. Protein-rich snacks are also a great way to go, try snacking on bliss balls, nuts and seeds, boiled eggs, veggie sticks, and hummus or try my Detox Green Smoothie for breakfast or an afternoon snack. 
  • Move that bod!
    No matter what form you choose. It helps to keep the metabolism pumping, helping to remove and eliminate toxins from your body. 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 3-4x each week). 
  • Going to a party? Bring a healthy dish!
    Make a delicious healthy salad with lots of greens in it, or take a protein dish to enjoy as a main (this will help keep you fuller for longer helping to prevent cravings). If you’re on dessert, try some of my favourite healthy guilt free desserts from my ‘sweet treats’ section: homemade raw chocolate, raw chocolate vegan pie, healthier chocolate raspberry brownies, raw caramel slice, zesty lemon slice.  
  • Take a night off!
    Our diaries get booked, so why not take this opportunity to plan a few nights off from socializing. It can be exhausting so have a ‘holiday’ during the holiday season. It may be just what you need! Take some time out, put on your PJ’s, make a yummy healthy hot chocolate, put on your favourite movie, or snuggle up in bed with a good book. 
  • 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. Stress causes an increase in cortisol (your fat storing hormone), your body doesn’t need the additional stress. Instead, be forgiving of yourself and others.

    What are your top tips for surviving the party season? I’d love to hear them so please comment below!

 Nat xx

Hi I’m Natalie, a Registered Clinical Nutritionist, health influencer, blog writer & recipe creator. My own health complications prompted me to make positive diet & lifestyle changes, revitalize my health leading to a career change from the corporate world to nutritional medicine. I believe in a wholefoods approach to good health, focusing on simple strategies for modern, busy people. 

Let's connect @nataliebradynutrition 

The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your GP, a one on one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is not intended for self-diagnosis, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. The entire content of this website is based on the opinions of Natalie Brady, a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, unless otherwise noted. Click here for term and conditions of services.

Copyright © Natalie Brady Nutrition 2022 | Natalie Brady Nutrition Listed in Auckland's Top Nutritionists | Website by Fuel Media

Share This