Yes, the holidays are fast approaching! But does that mean your healthy habits need to be thrown out the window? No way!
Though the holidays do come paired with yummy treats there are many ways to support your health while minimizing the effects that come with the indulgements of the festivities. You can absolutely have health and pleasure, you don't have to choose between the two!
What it comes down to? Having a plan.
Today we are sharing some of our best tips so you can come prepared to the feast and make the most out of the holidays without putting a dent in your health or progress!
Come prepared
If you are not in control of the menu, there are several ways you can support yourself when you are away from your home and your usual habits.
Some key supplements to always keep in your bag with you include digestive enzymes and charcoal. Digestive enzymes will help you break down your food more easily, and reduce inflammation while minimizing any digestive upset. Activated charcoal can be used as a natural digestive aid to combat gas, bloating, and diarrhea and may even help to prevent hangovers!
Magnesium is also a favourite supplement of ours that is depleted by stress, sugar, and alcohol and does a great job at calming the mind and the body.
Ginger and peppermint tea are also fantastic to help reduce any digestive upset after a meal.
Participate
Not sure what food will be available? Bring your own dish!
Potlucks are a great way to share a healthy meal with others but also guarantees there will be at least one dish you know you can eat. We recommend making a main meal so that you can bring something that will leave you feeling satisfied and less likely to go overboard on the sweets!
Get moving!
It can be tempting to retreat to the couch all day but this can just make you feel much worse. Moving your body, especially after a heavy meal, can help to improve blood circulation, regulate blood sugar and improve your mood!
Movement is a strategic way to combat some of the stress from not so healthy eating and drinking.
Our tip for you? Make it enjoyable! You don't have to disappear to the gym during Christmas dinner... go for a walk with your loved ones or have a dance party instead!
Stay consistent
We are sure you have heard of the 80/20 rule and it's something that can be applied to the holidays just as much as to your everyday life.
Go ahead and enjoy your favourite holiday treats, but don't let go of your healthy habits completely!
Remember, keeping up your healthy habits during the holidays may require a little flexibility and modifications so don't worry if it's not perfect. Remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can.
Keep it as simple as possible to increase the likelihood of staying consistent. This could be as simple as including a morning green smoothie, working out for 15 minutes, going for a walk, or including a vegetable at every meal. It all counts!
Let go of perfection
Whether you choose to indulge in the chocolate cake or the macaroni and cheese or the egg nog, remember it's not about being perfect.
When we let go of the all or nothing approach we allow ourselves to enjoy life without the guilt and the immense pressure we put on ourselves which often results in a downward spiral of self-sabotage.
Health and pleasure do not have to be mutually exclusive, you can have both!
Remember, the holidays are above all meant to be enjoyed. At the end of the day what will you remember; sticking to your macros or enjoying grandma's homemade apple pie with the family?
About the Author
Laurence Annez
