Keeping the Holidays Healthy!
For many of us, the holidays mean over-eating, over-drinking, not getting enough rest and worst of all…STRESS! But you can keep the holidays healthy! Below are some tips to help you have a fun, delicious, and HEALTHY holiday season.
1. Drink plenty of water. It is easy to over-indulge in all the holiday beverages at this time of year whether it be punch, eggnog, sodas, spiced tea, coffee or alcoholic libations. Remember that your body needs WATER. Keep hydrated. Try to make water about ½ of your total beverage intake each day.
2. Start each day with a nutritious breakfast. You are much less likely to overeat if you start the day with a healthy breakfast. Eat a high protein breakfast with eggs and bacon. If you start the day with protein you are less likely to get cravings later in the day.
3. Limit the amount of starches you eat. It’s easy to load up on mashed potatoes, dressing, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese and rolls. Limit yourself to only 1 or 2 starchy sides. Or you can try having only ½ portions of 2-4 starchy sides. You will avoid that over-stuffed feeling and your digestion will thank you!
4. Stop eating 3 bites before your plate is empty. You may have been told to clean your plate but that can lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead, leave the last 3 bites on your plate. It takes a 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’re full so by leaving a few bites on your plate you will be full but not stuffed. Try it. It works!
5. Eat dinner by 7:00 and skip the late-night snack. Give your body a chance to digest before going to bed. This will allow you to rest better and will help make you hungry for that nutritious breakfast the next morning!
6. Keep moving! You may not have time to hit the gym but you can walk around the block, dance around the house while listening to Christmas music or toss a ball in the yard with the kids. Instead of lounging in the recliner after that big meal, take the dog for a walk.
7. Get plenty of sleep. Make sure you get your 7-8 hours a night. You will feel less stressed and will enjoy the holidays much more when you feel rested and refreshed.
8. Get your chiropractic adjustment! One of the major causes of back pain is STRESS. Stress robs your body of energy and vitality so take the time – MAKE the time – for a check-up.
9. Finally, take your supplements. Now is not the time to slack on taking your nutritional supplements. It’s especially important to take any digestive support supplements you may be on. Keep your body working at its absolute best over the holidays!
If you need help keeping healthy over the holidays, give us a call! We are here to help YOU be the healthiest you can be!