Another holiday season looms, with the usual pressures involving family, finances, and time. Stress from these pressures can add to illnesses. Once the holiday season passes, you run the risk of getting sick as your adrenaline slows down. And then there is the inevitable weight gain from all of the parties and family gatherings. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some healthy tips for the holidays!
1. Sleep well!
If you are going to go out, and burn the candle at both ends, your body still needs sleep. The beauty of sleep is that your body is good at telling you when you need it. So listening to the cues is important. Yawning is a classic sign you need sleep, along with feeling tired and irritable. If you ignore these warnings, you can suffer from fatigue, brain fog, and a slower metabolism. These signs mean your body needs rest!
Refreshing sleep can also be a great preventive measure when handling stressors. Holidays are filled with them, so a refreshed mind is a resilient one. Establish a pattern for sleeping, going to bed at a regular time and waking up around the same time every morning. Your body picks up on this habit and then can prepare for it each night.
A regular sleeping pattern benefits you in other ways. Maybe you have to leave that office party a little earlier than other party goers, but how do they feel at work the next day. Establishing that regular habit of sleeping also helps with other habits, too.
2. Eat what’s right, then save what’s left.
Good habits start somewhere. When your thoughts are clear because of good sleep, you will have the brainpower necessary to make the best choices when it comes to eating. Choose healthy foods, fats and proteins, and stay away from carbs. Fat and protein keep you fuller longer and help stabilize blood sugar. This prevents cravings and binges on sugary and carb laden foods. Also, smaller meals are better for fat burning and digestion, so eat frequent small meals and avoid overly large meals.
The best part of managing a good meal is instead of gorging on a plate full of food, take the rest home. Saving good food for the next day will save you money, cut down on food waste, and save inches on your waistline.
3. Drink Water
Holiday food is usually loaded with heavy carbs and sugar. Holiday drinks are pretty strong, too. Water will help prevent dehydration and allow you to continually detoxify. Drink lots of water to help your body stay balanced.
Sleeping right, eating well, and staying hydrated will keep you on top of the holiday season. Follow a good plan and maybe you won’t have to worry so much about those New Year’s Resolutions in 2017!
