The Christmas season is a busy time and as we rush from here to there, buying presents and attending dinners, we often forget to take care of our own health. We naturally begin to focus more on other people this time of the year—and rightfully so, it is the season of giving after all—but it’s important to maintain your own wellbeing. Doing so will leave you feeling happier and more ready to enjoy the festivities. Keep the following tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to a healthy, stress-free Christmas.
#1 - Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Think colour when eating fruit and vegetables. Eating a variety of different colours gives your body a wide range of valuable nutrients like vitamin A, C, potassium, magnesium and fibre.
#2 - Limit processed foods, sugar and saturated fats. Most of your energy comes from the quality of the foods you eat. Natural foods will ensure that you’ll feel more energised and more able to keep on top of your busy Christmas plans.
#3 - Drink water. In Australia, Christmas can be one of our hottest periods of the summer. Don’t fall into the trap of spending the day racing around, not thinking about your hydration levels. Drink plenty of fluids (not sugary ones!) to keep yourself hydrated and you will concentrate better, look better and feel better.
Quick tip: Start your day with 25% lemon juice in warm water – a great source of vitamin C!
#4 - Don’t overindulge. All those delicious offerings can be tempting, but you’ll enjoy it more if you keep your portions small. Focus on the taste and not the quantity. Too many sweets and rich food can be hard for your body to process, resulting in headaches, stomach pain, and a feeling of sluggishness. Be sure to practice moderation when it comes to food and your body will thank you.
#5 - Have healthy snacks handy. Why not freeze some berries into ice cubes and add them to your drink or have as an ice block? There are many beautiful fruits in season now—mango, nectarines, peaches, apricots—why not slice some up and arrange them artfully on a snack tray?
Quick tip: When preparing a meal, aim to have 60% salad on your plate.
#6 - Keep up your regular exercise plan. Regular movement is important to keep the body healthy and well tuned. Exercise increases the metabolism, gives a feeling of wellbeing and is known to give you more energy. You’ll find those tired, stressed feelings can disappear with a simple walk or yoga stretching.
#7 – Be sure to get enough sleep and relaxation. You can’t handle all the tasks of the Christmas period along with your normal work and lifestyle if you don’t give yourself the chance to rest. Practising meditation or listening to a relaxation tape for 15 minutes can do wonders to restore your vitality. Quick tip: Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake to ensure a good night’s sleep.
#8 - Remember what Christmas is all about. As the list of things to do grows longer and time grows shorter, it is easy to lose sight of what is important to us at Christmas time. Don’t forget what Christmas means to you. Christmas is meant to be a holiday, so treat it as one. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by all your Christmas preparations take a moment to yourself and put everything back in perspective.
Hopefully these tips will help you stay healthy this holiday season and give you a chance to really enjoy it!
Happy Holidays from Hopewood!
By Jenny Colless-Buhn, Naturopath at Hopewood Health Retreat
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