healthy holiday habits
10 tips to stay healthy during the holidays
Easy tips to staying healthy throughout all the holiday meals, parties and events!
Do you both love and dread the holiday season? For me the holidays mean a lot of family time, connecting with friends and co-workers, lots of cooking and shared meals. But this time also means attending a lot of parties and events, indulging in a lot of rich foods and often drinking a fancy egg nog cocktail or five. A thanksgiving feast may have already weighed you down and there’s still half of December left! So how do you find the balance between enjoying yourself and staying healthy and energetic?
Click play to watch the video blog or read more below!
1. WATER
Drink more of it! Grab a big reusable bottle with a straw to help up your consumption. Squeeze some lemon in it to help with digestion or some apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) if your belly needs some extra love after some fried food or too many sweets!
2. Apple a day
Apple a day keep the doctor away-and big binges! The key to this tip is to eat something nutritious before heading to the party. Don’t skip meals- fasting all day will lead to eating even more, and most likely more of the bad stuff. You know what I mean? When you show up hangry and basically black out and don't know what damage you did. I like the apple before because it keeps me full for a sec, is full of nutrients, curbs my sweet tooth and will be good for my digestive juices!
3. Bring your own dish
Don't go hungry or eat something you don't want! Get your greens in a bring a vegan creamed kale or garlic greens! Click here to download a super easy greens recipe. If you are fancy the of my faves is a vegan "ceviche" with heart of palm. Here is the recipe I love!
4. Beware of the dips
Don't dip yourself to destruction! Don't get me wrong- I'm the biggest hummus, guac and salsa fan out there. But beware of the cheesy, heavy dips. Take the time to choose a healthier dip and try to taste the flavors. See if you really like what you are eating!
5. Stick to just one of the fancy Christmas cocktails
By all means enjoy the signature cocktail or spiked egg nog-- but switch it up after one. Maybe stick to the same spirit and add some soda water and lime or have a nice glass of vino. Just don't wake up with a huge sugar hangover after downing 5 Peppermint Schnapps Mocha Russians with rum whipped cream drinks (I pray this does not exist). Check out the hosts' choice, then make a better one.
6. Make one plate
When you are hungry make a full plate of food so you can see what you’re eating instead of constant snacking. Ditch the cocktail napkin with 10 baby quiches and have a meal. Then, notice when you’re full. Ask yourself- "Am I still enjoying this?"
7. Socialize
Engage in conversation! Get to know people at an event. Who knows? You might network or make a new friend. Plus your mouth will be busy talking rather than mindlessly snacking.
8. Don't stress if you slip
If you do slip, try not to stress- this can lead to a downward spiral and create negative self-talk. "Well I already screwed up my diet so now I'll just go crazy!" Take a chill pill with that chocolate truffle. Notice how you feel and make a different choice next time. Stress does no good- plus cortisol is not your friend when it comes to keeping off the pounds!
9. 80/20 Rule
Adopt an 80/20 mindset when it comes to eating. Pack in the veggies and fruits. Really commit to Whole Foods 80 percent of the time. The other 20 be a little more lenient on yourself. When you restrict too much your mind craves the things you "aren't allowed". Allow yourself enjoyment! When you focus too much on what you can't have it becomes an obsession.
10. SLEEP!
I cannot stress this enough! The little voice in your head may be telling you to wake up for that 6 am run but don't do it at the expense of your sleep. 7-9 hours (9 is soooo nice). Life happens but try to let your body and mind rest and recover. When we don't sleep enough our body releases hunger hormones and tells us to eat more and stop burning fat. Plus when you sleep enough your waking hours are much more productive!