You know the drill when we reach the last few months of the year; Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah Christmas and New Year’s pass in a blur, then we head straight into Mardi Gras season. If we aren’t mindful, we can get run down from roaming around and celebrating with friends, devouring sweets and rich foods,
drinking alcohol and staying up all night like a teenager. So, how do we stay fit enough to not just survive, but thrive?
First, make a commitment to yourself to stay well, then follow these three tips to keep the sparkle in yourself and the holiday season:
1. HYDRATE
When the weather gets cooler, it’s easy to forget to hydrate. Sugary treats and alcohol dehydrate us further, so drink your water. We know our body needs water, but it’s easy to put hydration on the back burner, especially if water isn’t readily available. Remember, water has benefits for blood pressure, brain function, energy level and the immune system, so drink up!
2. REST
We’re not going to go to bed early every night when there are so many fun events to attend, but you can power down for 10 minutes to recharge when you anticipate a later-than-normal night. Rest and sleep are the number-one factor when it comes to brain clarity, stamina and supporting your immune system. If you know you’ll be out late, pre-load your sleep and go to bed earlier the night before.
3. EAT
This may sound counterintuitive because most of us will gain a pound or two over the holidays, but skipping meals and grabbing that pumpkin spice latte to give yourself a bump instead of something substantial will hurt you later.
When you aren’t out and about, go for quality. That way, the tempting treats served at those holiday gatherings won’t knock you down. Load up on foods containing “good fats,” protein and carbs that come with “friends” like naturally occurring fiber. Apples, carrots and whole grains are good choices to keep you fueled. Load up your smoothie, or half your plate, with vibrantly colored vegetables and lush red berries Rich greens, purple cabbage, Brussels sprouts, orange vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, garlic, ginger and onion all contain fiber, are prebiotics and offer powerful immune support. Put dark red fruits like pomegranates, cranberries and elderberry syrup high on your dietary “to-do” list each day.
When it comes to these foods, eating more will help you shore up your foundational nutrition so you can be your your best throughout the holiday season and beyond.
