So you’ve changed your eating habits and have been making healthier choices. You’ve been cutting back on sweets and processed foods, getting more movement into your day, and you’re starting to feel great.
Then, the holiday season comes. First Halloween, with left over candy filling our pantries. Next, Thanksgiving comes, with an abundance of pies and other delicious foods. Finally, Christmas. A whole season of cookies, candies and all kinds of treats.
With all of this temptation, is it even possible to keep up with your healthy eating habits during the holidays?
Definitely. Now, I may surprise you, but I am not going to preach will power and self-control. Will power will only get you so far. That is, until you start attending the various social events of the season. After a few glasses of wine we lose count of how many cookies we ate. At least I do! However, I also know the unpleasant way my body feels after I consume certain foods.
So how do we enjoy the season without making ourselves feel unhealthy in the process?
1.Enjoy. Don’t overdo.
If you see about 5 desserts calling your name, take a small bite-sized portion of each. This way, you can try each dessert, you won’t feel deprived, and you will not feel overstuffed either. It’s all about finding balance.
2. Be picky.
Ask yourself a few questions. How will it make you feel later? I know that if I eat grains and sugar, I will not feel good later. Are stomach problems and acne (in my case) worth the taste of those foods? If it is a food that you know will cause you to have an upset stomach, or other digestive issues, choose something else. Is it a food that you could eat anytime? Try to choose something that you really enjoy and do not get often.
3. Get your greens!
Before I go to a party, or somewhere where I know I will probably eat some less than healthy foods, I like to make sure I get several good helpings of organic greens and vegetables in. This could be some spinach mixed in with my eggs, a large salad with salmon at lunch, and even a smoothie with a high quality greens powder before leaving for the party. Once I get to the party, I try to have a large serving of veggies and salad with my meal. This helps me to stay satiated and I know that I have gotten a lot of nutrients in during the day.
4. Move and drink water!
Try to get movement into your day. Take a walk, play tag with your kids, or find something that you really enjoy. Moving your body will get your digestive system moving and help to stimulate bowel movements. Sometimes after eating foods that we are not used to, or drinking too much alcohol, we can become constipated and feel pretty awful. Daily movement and drinking plenty of water will help keep things moving, as well as assist your body in its detoxification process.
5. Get your vitamins
While your vitamins and minerals should ideally come from the food that you eat, it is usually a good idea to take a high-quality multi-vitamin, along with a good probiotic to help keep your gut flora in balance.
Try to spend at least 20 minutes outside everyday to get some Vitamin D. If this is not possible, incorporate a vitamin D3 supplement into your daily routine.
Above all, enjoy yourself. Enjoy the season, enjoy time with your family, truly savor your food. Try not to feel guilty for what you eat. Focus on incorporating as many whole-food nutrients and movement into your day as possible, and you will be fine.
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