Holiday season has arrived! And I know, it gets little cray cray. The errands, cocktails, and events just never seem to end. I hear ya!
Most of us worry that our health progress is going to go down the drain when this time of year hits. I know the holidays are hard. But I want you to know – not all is lost if you have an off day. With that being said, it’s always good to go in with a plan. This will help you bounce back even quicker.
These are my top 10 (ok, 11 – there is a bonus!) healthy holiday tips to make it through allll of the holiday festivities without feeling awful:
1. Start with love
Focusing on your health during this time of year (and always) is an act of self-love. Love to take care of yourself. Love to prioritize your own health. Love to connect with the beautiful body given to you. Love to feel your best so you can give your best to others. It’s not an act of punishment. It’s not this “annoying” thing that you “have” to do. In fact it is quite the opposite. Whenever you feel like giving up, come back to love.
2. Gratitude
Even though this time of year can seem a little cray, it’s also packed with so much magic, community, celebration and love! Embrace it. There is much to be thankful for during this time of year. Overflowing calendars…celebrating with those you love! It may throw you out of your routine, but you can get back to that routine for the other 11 months of the year. You’ll be ok. I promise.
3. Breathe + Surrender
This may be number one. Sit back, take a few deep belly breaths, and reflect when you’re feeling overwhelmed or off-track. What are you really feeling? Be your own detective. Deep breathing helps pacify the nervous system, which is extra important during this time.
4. Balanced Blood Sugar Levels
Never go to a holiday party hungry! Prior to leaving for a big holiday meal, eat a snack with healthy fats + protein + fiber to ensure stable blood sugar levels. Showing up famished will lead you to overeat, and not the veggie platter. When your blood sugar drops, you will crave refined starches (like bread, rice, and pasta) and sweets. Choose a lower carbohydrate snack like a hard-boiled egg, carrot sticks with nut butter, or even a few avocado slices drizzled with Himalayan sea salt, prior to heading out to the holiday party. Sometimes I will even make a mini version of my Morning Power Smoothie before I go.
5. Reach for the Greens
Fill at least half of your plate with a green, fiber-filled vegetable, like green beans, Brussels sprouts, or kale salad. If you don’t think there will be a healthy veggie side dish where you’re headed for the holidays – bring your own!
6. Pick and Choose Your Carbs
The holidays typically bring LOTS of carbs. Instead of going wild on every carb-heavy dish at the table, pick your favorite. There is no need to eat them all.
They are the first thing to make you feel sluggish, brain-foggy, tired, and actually hungry an hour later because of the blood sugar crash. So stick to one.
7. Cocktails
I know – the champagne is flowing this time of year. I can’t say that I hate it. BUT too much alcohol is never a good thing.
Try a mocktail – Opt for soda water with bitters and mashed berries. It looks like a cocktail, feels like a cocktail, but it wont give you a hangover.
If you do choose to drink- Choose tequila, vodka, or mezcal with a twist, on the rocks or with water/soda water and lemon or lime – and skip beer and wine. Beer and wine have a lot of sugar, potentially gluten, yeast, and feed the bad bacteria in the gut. Avoid the drink mixes, as they are loaded with sugar and even colors and dyes. Always avoid the added sugars and syrups too. For every cocktail, have a glass of water!
8. Desserts + Sweets
Bring your own. You can always make a holiday favorite healthier. If you don’t have time to make your own, then look for short ingredient lists. If we’re talking about a chocolate bar, aim for over seventy-five percent cacao, organic or non-gmo ingredients, no soy lecithin, and sugar as one of the last ingredients. For other goodies, try to keep them gluten and dairy free, which is a lot easier nowadays.
If you go for the real home cooking, choose ONE dessert (not all 6). Don’t feel guilt or shame about it. Take a few, mindful bites a move on. Your body can handle it.
If you are the one hosting – send your people home with leftovers! At this point, my family’s holiday dinners are healthy, and gut-supportive BUT I know when I stay with friends and family, this isn’t the case. Way too many times have I woken up and eaten pumpkin pie with every meal the day after the party, simply because it was there. Send your friends home with goodies! They’ll love it, and you’ll save yourself.
9. Movement + Sweat
Get the blood pumping and oxygen flowing. Clear out the clutter that has collected in your mind. Sweat out the toxins. Do a form of exercise that you enjoy! And throw in a yoga session or two to help keep you grounded during this chaotic time. Extra credit: after a holiday meal, take a 15 – 20 minute walk with the family to digest your holiday dinner.
10. Digestive Enzymes
Take a digestive enzyme 15 – 20 minutes prior to each large meal to help your body properly digest. After the meal, if you still feel uncomfortably full, try a warm cup of ginger or peppermint tea to soothe your belly.
BONUS – Complete my NEW FREE 3 DAY GUT RESET
I created it just in time for this holiday season, because….we all need it! Taking a pause to reset is critical during this time. Although indulging is fun and totally necessary, we’ve got to draw the line somewhere. Following this between holidays regularly brings you back to your desired baseline. My 3 Day Gut Reset is short, simple, and super effective. It will help diminish bloat, give your digestive system a much needed rest, and get you off the crazy blood sugar curve. You can totally extend it if you feel up to it.
If you want to hit the reset button between all the parties, this is exactly how. For HAN’s Festive Fall Kale Salad, click here!
