How to enjoy the Holidays!

A simple guide to navigating the holidays and staying healthy.

Avoid Skipping Meals

The best way to enjoy the holidays is not to let your blood sugar ride a roller coaster. As soon as you do, you open yourself up to irritability, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, etc., none of which contribute to ‘holiday cheer.’

Moderation is the key. Try to eat at regular intervals and keep the meals modest and balanced. If you will splurge and have a high-carb dessert, just have one serving and ensure it is balanced with healthy protein and fat.

This will help keep your blood sugar more stable, which leads to better moods, a healthier digestion process, and sound energy levels.

Go Healthy First.

Appetizers, snacks, and meals, in general, will be best enjoyed if you go for the healthier options first. First, try the raw fruits, veggies, nuts, cheeses, cocktail shrimp, and olives.

Then you will have less urge to overindulge on chips, cookies, cakes, etc. Doing this will make the entire experience more enjoyable, and you won’t feel as bloated and tired later!

Give Away Leftovers & Treats

Between gifts, meals, and surprise visits from relatives and friends, you will probably wind up with a lot of extra food. Don’t feel you need to eat it all. Spread the wealth around, send some home with guests or even makeup plates to bring to others, or donate to those less fortunate.

Bring them to work and let others enjoy them as well.

It is the season of giving, so pass it along to others after you have enjoyed your holiday’s meals and treats.

Don’t forget to exercise!

The holidays can be hectic. Adding in or keeping up with exercise even just a couple of times per week can help improve your health and contribute to having that ‘holiday cheer’ we all look for in the season.

Even if this is extra yard work or taking a walk over lunch, it is worth it. Exercising the body can improve the hormones that stabilize mood and keep your metabolism up for the extra push over the holidays.

Create New Traditions

Let your family and friends know that you are improving your health and lifestyle. Ask them to try and bring healthier options when possible to a family gathering or holiday function.

In addition to the usual cookies and bread, try starting healthy holiday traditions by encouraging a prize for the most nutritious favorite Christmas dish!

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No.

The holidays are often busy and can be stressful. Don’t feel you need to attend all holiday functions out of obligation. Ensure you have the time necessary to enjoy the holidays and others will enjoy spending the holidays with you.

Do Your Holiday Shopping Online

Going to the store is excellent and can be enjoyable. However, shopping ahead of time online can give you more freedom of choice and save you time when shopping if you find yourself pressed for time, shop online to get started on your holiday purchases.

If you do go out shopping, try to do it with someone else so you can share the list and get support when needed on what to purchase or not.