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    Surviving the Holiday Season! A few health tips to keep you going, into The New Year!

    December 2, 2022

    HEALTH TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON



    We are all gearing up for the Holiday Season, typically from Thanksgiving to Christmas, most people have a lot on their plate, our daily lives doesn’t stop because of it. there is just so much more to do, just writing about it, I get exhausted, my mind goes wild and starts listing the things to do; decorate, shop, cook, wrap, attend parties, eat, drink and be merry! If we are not making a conscious effort to take a moment for ourselves, guess what? Your health will suffer.



    What can we do to keep us healthy during this hectic time?


    1. Try to stick as much as possible to your regular schedule! - There are so many hours in the day and sometimes we feel there isn’t enough time to get everything done. Try not to divert from it too much.  Easier said than done but believe me your body will thank you!


    2. Get your ZZZZ's! - Going out more, wrapping presents once the kids are asleep, staying up late often means cutting back on sleep, sleep loss can make it harder for your body to repair and feel rejuvenated in the morning. When you are sleep deprived, you’ll tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar food and load up on caffeine.Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to guard against mindless eating and fatigue.


    3. Keep Moving! - You’ve got a lot on your plate this time of year, and physical activity can get crowded out. But being active is your secret holiday weapon; it can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. Get moving with friends and family, such as taking a walk after a holiday meal.


    4. It’s all about moderation! - Moderation will be your saving grace during the holiday season. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an indulgent, festive dinner — but you’ll want to make sure that your meals surrounding it are healthy and nutrient-dense. Have a light lunch like salad with olive oil dressing and opt for a healthy breakfast the next morning like avocado on whole wheat toast. By eating healthy during the holiday season, you can afford to go all out for a few big events.


    5. Take time for yourself! - The holidays are full of family and friends, while this can be a great thing, it can also be draining and stressful. Whether you’re staying with family over the holidays or just attending many events, remember to take time every day for yourself. Go for a walk, meditate once a day, just breathe deeply for a few minutes of quiet time. Even extroverts need time to recharge.



    MOST OF ALL, REMEMBER WHAT THE SEASON IS ABOUT. CELEBRATING AND CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT. WHEN YOU FOCUS ON THE FUN, IT'S EASIER TO FOCUS LESS ON THE FOOD!


     

    There are few other little tips that we can share with you, like:


    • Try to avoid processed foods and opt for homemade instead. Will minimize your sodium and sugar intake.


    • Add more vegetables to your menus! It’s easy to go all-out with our favoUrite recipes, but sometimes eating better is as simple as keeping more healthy choices on hand. Increase the number of vegetable dishes on the dinner table, finding small twists to dress them up without making them unhealthy. Roasted asparagus can be beautiful on its own, and roasted carrots or sweet potatoes are rich in taste and a bright pop of colour.


    • Slow down during meals. While the decadent food might make us eager to eat, a key tip to staying healthy over the holidays is to slow down during mealtime. Multiple studies have shown that eating slowly can give our stomachs enough time to send the hormonal signal to our brain telling us that we’re full, which will stop us from accidentally overeating. This can help us maintain better portion control as a result.


    • Remember portion control, it will be your best friend throughout the holiday season. This will improve your digestion and reduce the amount you’re eating, both during mealtimes and overall. If you’re worried about portion control, you can use smaller plates or reduce the number of dishes you serve at each meal.



    HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!


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