HEALTHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
It’s that time of year again- the holidays are HERE!
And although Jagger and I have been listening to Mariah Carey since November 1st, the holiday season isn’t always all eat. drink and be merry”.
The holiday season can be stressful and anxiety-filled for many reasons, but if you’re trying to manage or lose weight you might struggle with being up against all the parties and get togethers that seem to center around decadent food and flowing drinks.
The good news is that it’s possible to approach your holidays differently with some subtle changes and simple tips that can make a big difference in how you experience this time of year.
You can stay on your healthy path and continue to feel good and progress with your goals, while also including all the fun that you want. Below are a few tips and recommendations you can do to stay healthy during the holidays:
Plan ahead when you have a night out, holiday party or family meal where you know you’ll be less in control of what’s being served and you may enjoy more food and alcohol than typical. Planning ahead means eat whole foods that are full of important nutrients like protein, fat and fiber. Get those healthy meals in throughout the day to make space for the fun and enjoy all foods without negative side effects.
Plate your food smartly. Load up on the veggies and protein being served, like turkey, salad and greens at Thanksgiving, and fill the rest of your plate with the starchier carbs, like stuffing, kugel and mashed potatoes. Eating the carbs with the protein and fiber will help slow the effect of the sugar on your blood sugar levels and also help you feel more full and satisfied than if you just ate the carbs alone. This also a good way to incorporate fiber tom keep everything running smoothly as we eat bigger meals.
Pick and choose your top 3 treats, so that you can leave room to enjoy these foods and drinks without obsessing over them or going for the foods you later realize you did not really want or need. Maybe you love your grandmother’s stuffing but there’s also dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, marshmallow souffle, and cakes and cookies for dessert… what to do? Choose your top 3 for the night and allow yourself the stuffing and 2 other treats you love, and then actually enjoy and savor them.
Liquids matter, so pay attention to what and how you’re drinking. If you’re going to be drinking, make sure to hydrate throughout the day and then sprinkle in water or club soda with lemon with the drinks. That being said, try to avoid drinking to much water while you’re eating, because consuming too much liquid will disrupt your digestion.
Keep up with your healthy routines. Just because it’s the holiday season and you may be off from work or going away on vacation, try to still stick with a few of the things that are your non-negotiables, meaning the top 3 things you need to do to feel good. That could be getting in your movement/workout, drinking your 2 or 3 daily water bottles, and eating protein with breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is just an example, but pick your 3 and stick with them- you’ll feel great about it after.
Bonus: if you’re heading into a big meal, and eating foods you may not typically eat, it can be helpful to take digestive enzymes to provide your body with additional support as you break down and digest your food. My favorite digestive enzyme is from Pure Encapsulations. Take as directed and when needed and see if they provide some help.
Also, stick with your probiotic, as that will keep your gut working optimally and help you tackle the holidays with ease and let bloating. My favorite is Seed DS-01 Synbiotic. If you use code MELISSAH at checkout you can receive 15% off your first order, and equip yourself with the tools to keep you healthy!
