The holidays for many, are the least healthy time of year. At Be Optimal, we’re here to help you shift that! Believe it or not, it IS possible to go through the holiday season healthy and thriving, instead of having lowered immune function and fatigue (not to mention packing on a few extra pounds!) See below, my tips to have a healthy holiday season, without feeling deprived or restricted. In order to fully support ourselves throughout the season - we need to address all aspects of our health: physical, nutritional, and emotional!
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Don’t wait until January to start up an exercise routine, now is a great time to get moving! Between all of the holiday busy-ness it’s easy to put exercise aside, but I promise it will not only help raise your metabolism and burn calories, but it will also help you feel a lot less stressed. Make moving your body a priority this season! Here are a few of my favorite things to try:
Walking outside (don’t be afraid of the elements, bundle up and get out there!)
Try a new group exercise class
Go swimming at an indoor gym for a nice change up to your routine
Youtube! You can find virtually any kind of workout you’d like online, for free! Yoga, pilates, HIIT, stretching, etc!
Ice skating (there are plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks this time of year!)
NUTRITION
Unless you are on a prescribed diet, during the holidays I don’t recommend practicing severe restriction. Instead, focus on MINDFUL eating. Ask yourself some questions, before consuming “fun foods”: is that food something your really will enjoy? Are you truly hungry? Are you feeling stressed or sad? Etc. Practicing a “pause” before consuming foods is a great way to stop yourself from eating something that won’t make you feel good later, or stress eating. Hosting or attending a holiday event? Bring your own dish! There are plenty of ways to make healthier versions of holiday classics: subbing out processed sugar with things like: local honey, pure maple syrup, coconut palm sugar, or monkfruit sweetener can make a big difference in how your body processes! Again, it’s all about enjoying this time of year in the healthiest way possible!
EMOTIONAL
The holidays are not only stressful, but can be triggering for a lot of folks. It is so important to take care of YOU during this time of year. Despite all of the plans, events, and errands, look at your calendar now and block out some time weekly for yourself! Whether it be for a massage at the spa, outing with a friend, or just a couple hours to watch a holiday movie - make it happen! Taking some down time now will help prevent your health from suffering later. See some of my favorite stress relief tips below! (some of these would make great holiday gifts for yourself or others!)
Floatation Therapy
Massage
Meditation
Time in nature
A nap!
As you can see, self care and balance is so important during the holidays! Aim to make this season your healthiest yet, your body will thank you! To learn more about how to stay balanced this holidays (recipes included!) attend our Dinner with the Doctors this month! RSVP here!
In health,
Dr. Abby Kramer