How to Survive the Festive Season
Poor nutrition, bad drinking habits, stress and minimal sleep take their toll on your vital organs. Your liver and kidneys take a beating, as they are forced to continually flush toxins from your system. Your brain battles to function optimally, and you are at risk of developing a predisposition towards lifestyle diseases that are the scourge of modern living.
Depressed? Do not be! It is quite acceptable to relax your good habits a little during the festive season, just balance out “bad” days with plenty of good ones and tune in to when your body and mind need a break.
Eat Right
Feeding yourself wisely – especially when take-aways, chips and dips and party foods are constant temptations – is the first good habit to cultivate now. Without enough healthy fats (olive oil, a little butter, avocado, fatty fish, and raw nuts), loads of fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds and free range protein, we cannot be healthy, says top clinical nutritionist Sally-Ann Creed.
When shopping or throwing a dinner party, watch out for too much sugar and a menu high in simple carbohydrates such as white bread and cake. Avoid fizzy drinks and rather dilute fresh fruit juices with water – as long as you drink plenty of plain water too!
Breakfast is sacred, so don’t skip it, only to binge at the buffet later on! Think light, unprocessed and energy-sustaining foods, such as rolled oats with fruit and seeds, a fruit smoothie, or an egg on wholegrain bread, with some chopped tomatoes and a little feta cheese.
For meals in general, combine a protein with a complex carbohydrate (such as brown rice with chicken, or a baked potato with tuna) and plenty of vegetables. By eating carbs and protein together, you will balance blood sugar, which is vital when you are on the move or partying up a storm.
Snack attacks are common during the Christmas season, so eat smart by downing a glass of water and then attacking the raw food first, such as crudités and salads. Stock up on super-foods to keep at home and take with you. Blueberries, goji berries, tomatoes, broccoli, apples, seeds, nuts, green tea, and garlic are among the best nibbles for tip-top health.
A common problem during the holidays is heartburn. Instead of popping antacid tablets, stop the burn before it begins! Snack on smaller meals instead of three heavy courses at one sitting; chew food well before swallowing; drink a glass of water before you eat; and avoid caffeine, fry-ups and sugary treats as much as possible.
Try not to mix alcoholic drinks and always stay hydrated with water between refills. If you are a wine lover, how about a spritzer (half wine, half soda water)? Or choose a low-alcohol beer if possible (but do not cheat by drinking more).
Deal With Stress
Mental fitness may take a nosedive now because of late nights, family fights, and overspending on gifts and festive food. Prepare yourself properly before the party season sets in. Red flags signalling stress include lowered immunity, sleeplessness, feeling irritable or ratty, forgetfulness, lack of enjoyment or enthusiasm, over- or under-eating, and a constant sense of being rushed.
To cope naturally with stress, go to bed early, take Rescue Remedy drops, pop a whole-food vitamin B and calcium complex supplement, revisit childhood pursuits such as cloud-gazing or building sandcastles, and schedule some downtime every single day, no matter how busy you are. A relaxed environment is soothing and helps you to remember your priorities. Between social engagements, party shopping and last minute deadlines, make a date with yourself to work in the garden, do some yoga or meditation, or to walk on the beach or in a safe nature area.
Plan ahead by making lists and enjoy ticking off tasks as you complete them. Some people use their mobile phone reminders, while others prefer Post-it or sticky notes.
Another sure-fire way to keep yourself in good shape is to exercise, even if you are not sticking to your regular regimen. As any good doctor or fitness instructor will tell you, walking the dog, playing with your kids or climbing stairs does count as physical activity. It is especially important to get moving now, as excess food, drink, and stress wreak havoc with both muscles and peace of mind.
Lastly, learn the value of saying no. It is impossible to please everybody and you absolutely do not have to accept every invitation, or work long hours of overtime, just to keep the boss or your best friend happy.
Take a holiday from the holidays by nurturing yourself first.
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