As the festive season draws closer there's many opportunities to connect joyous celebrations with a commitment to wellbeing. Embracing healthy habits during this time doesn't mean missing out on the good stuff, but rather about cultivating a harmonious balance between indulgence and healthier choices.
Whether it’s introducing healthier swaps into traditional recipes, incorporating daily movement, or prioritising wellbeing through mindfulness practices, the festive season can become an enjoyable time with plenty of nourishment for your physical and mental health.
Here are my top 12 tips for the festive season:
Healthy Recipe Swaps - Modify traditional recipes for healthier versions without sacrificing on flavour.
Be Prepared - Plan ahead for healthy meals and always have protein rich snacks on hand to avoid last minute temptations. Good quality sources of protein include; Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils), Tofu, Natto, Seitan, Nuts and Seeds, Dairy (unsweetened Greek yoghurt, ricotta cheese), Eggs, Poultry, Lean Meats.
Mindful Eating - Encourage mindfulness during meals to savour flavours and recognize fullness. A good way to do this is to practice Hara Hachi Bun Me (腹八分目) - A Confucian teaching method that instructs people to eat until they are 80 percent full.
Balanced Food Choices - Balance indulgence with moderation and choose nutritious options at social events and gatherings. Choose wholefoods and fresh produce over pre-packaged, ultra-processed options.
Get the family Involved - Involve family members in meal planning and preparation and demonstrate healthy habits in your own food choices.
Hydration - Hydrate well to maintain energy levels and skip the sugar-laden soft drinks and "diet" cordials. Instead, set up hydration stations with fruit or veg infused water for a refreshing and healthy alternative or opt for herbal teas and infusions; another refreshing option which can be made ahead of time.
Limit Alcohol Intake - Enjoy socialising while being mindful of alcohol intake and the negative effect it has on your liver and blood sugar levels. This is especially important for diabetics and those with insulin resistance, so make sure you're monitoring your blood sugar levels appropriately over the festive season.
Daily Movement - Incorporate festive activities that involve movement like family walks, dancing or a scavenger hunt.
Daily Sunshine - Take advantage of Australia’s glorious summer by getting adequate amounts of vitamin d, which helps to support our physical and mental health. Remember to be sun smart and balance sun exposure with sun safety practices, especially if you'll be spending lots of time outdoors.
Prioritise Sleep - Prioritise sleep and adequate rest to support overall wellbeing. A good night's sleep is essential for managing stress levels and blood glucose. Aim for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night. Did you know that a lack of sleep can mean you're more likely to reach for caffeine throughout the day and those salty or sugary cravings that seem to creep in around 3pm. Sound familiar ???
Manage Stress - Manage stress levels through daily mindfulness or relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and breathwork. Some people prefer to read a book, go for a gentle stroll, take a relaxing bath...or perhaps go for a refreshing swim in this glorious warmer weather. Do what works best for you!
Gifts of Wellness - Consider gifting items that promote health like healthy recipes, kitchen gadgets, toxin free skincare/household cleaning products or fitness trackers.
Let this season be a catalyst for fostering healthier habits that resonate far beyond the festivities, creating a foundation for a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
My last day in Clinic for 2023 will be Monday 18 December.
If you're needing to book in with me before the holidays please click the link below to reserve your appointment:
May this time of celebration bring blessings to you and your loved ones, honouring the diversity of traditions and cultures.
Wishing you all a joyous and harmonious festive season filled with warmth, love and peace.
Yours in HEAL.T.H 🙏
Maryssa
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