6 Tips to Stay Healthy this Holiday

1. Stay Active!

Many of us travel for the holidays and can’t get to our regular workout class or gym. But, this not a reason to stop moving. Drag the family out for a winter hike or walk. Get a run in! Or, ask your Coach for a mini workout to do during the holidays. Allow yourself to be off schedule, but don’t allow yourself to stop moving!

2. Don’t pig out on sugar

Sure, you are going to eat some sugar during the holidays, but keep it in moderation! Remember that sugar stays with you for months after you consume it, creating blood sugar irregularities, cravings, and inflammation. If you do have sugar one day, try not to the next day! Take a break and nurture your body.

3. Don’t overeat or skip meals!

This is a practice of self-love. Yes, of course, you are going to have a yummy treat for Christmas and eat some stuff you shouldn’t. It’s ok! Forgive yourself and get back on track. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology states that people who had an attitude of self-compassion were better able to get on track with healthy eating after a high-calorie setback rather than continuing to binge eat.  Also, don’t overeat because you feel it is impolite not too. Your body is more important. On the flip side, don’t skip meals! It will be harder to keep your blood sugar in control, as you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.

4. Don’t get too stressed!

Christmas can be pretty overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like we are trying to pack all our joy into one little tiny holiday, and as a result, we are setting our expectations way too high. Remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the little things along the way. Maybe you don’t feel like decorating this year, don’t be too hard on yourself! Put a beautiful display of white flowers on your table and call it a day.

5. Remember to sleep

Sleep is always challenging to get over the holidays, often we are not in our own beds or stay up much later than usual. We get off schedule. Do your best to still get 7-8 hours per night of sleep to avoid sugar cravings from exhaustion resulting in blood sugar issues and weight gain. Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime. And remember to pair your alcohol with fat and protein to avoid a 3 am wakeup. (See my recent blog on blood sugar) http://head2toeclinic.com/blog/74673/Control-your-blood-sugar-and-Sleep-Better-

6. Don’t drink too much alcohol!

Practice moderation over the holidays. Alcohol is sugar and it will negatively impact your sleep patterns and blood sugar levels. If you are drinking hard alcohol keep it on the rocks to aid in hydration. Drink frequent glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated. Put a cork in it early and switch to yummy herbal tea before bed.