The Christmas holidays bring joyous energy but can challenge healthy routines with abundant food, drinks and less activity than usual routines. Making small, mindful adjustments allows enjoying festivities without sacrificing wellness goals.
When hosting gatherings, offer protein-rich appetizers like hummus and crudités or nuts to encourage lighter grazing. Prepare vegetable-heavy entrees and sides before additions like casseroles or breads to fill half plates with low-calorie, nutrient-dense options. Offering attractive sliced fresh fruit or antioxidant-rich berry compote also meets sweet cravings in moderation.
For multi-day events like Christmas & New Years, don’t attempt eliminating calories entirely or you risk overindulging. Satisfy any growling with whole foods like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs or smoothies containing protein, fat and fibre between main feasts.
Drink primarily water and unsweetened sparkling water with meals to prevent unnecessary calories from mixers, sodas or juices. For festive cocktails among family and friends, alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to prevent dehydration. Red wine in moderation provides antioxidant flavonoids beneficial for heart health.
Battling holiday weight gain means balancing calories in and out as much as possible with brief walks after large meals, playing outdoors with kids or shovelling snow if able. Park farther when running errands to add activity throughout shorter daylight hours.
Supplements aid optimising nutrition despite richer fare stressing digestion and immunity. Daily fish oil delivers inflammation-fighting DHA and EPA fats while joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin support added activity stresses. Probiotics balance gut flora disrupted by heavier meals and sweets, aiding nutrient absorption. Ashwagandha and chamomile soothe holiday stresses on mind and body.
Indulging is inevitable, so portion foods strategically without completely depriving yourself. Focusing on nourishment sets the foundation for health that extends beyond fleeting festivities into the new year ahead. With moderation and balance, emphasised more than strict discipline, celebrations remain joyful without sacrificing wellbeing.
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