Staying Healthy this Festive Season

It can be a wonderful time of year, but also the most hectic time of year! The festive and holiday season is near.

It’s a time of year to have fun, to let go and enjoy some downtime from work. It can also be a time of year though when we throw in the towel of our healthy routines and goals.

This festive season, try sticking with your positive routines and health practices to feel restored and energised for the year ahead.

DIET

Health and well-being isn’t a destination, its a state of being. So balance means ensuring your healthy lifestyle and diet is sustainable all year round, in a moderate approach.

Moderation is the key this festive season. When we become extreme with our food, either over-indulging or missing out on the festive feasts, it creates imbalance. Everything in small amounts is usually fine.

So this season, avoid rigid health rules and enjoy. Be flexible eaters during the holiday season but know when you have over-indulged. This is the art of eating mindfully.

Here are a few key points to follow to support balanced eating:

-       Drink a glass of hot water before the main meals.

-       Don’t arrive at a Christmas party hungry. Take a protein-rich snack beforehand to feel sustained so when that blood sugar drops with hunger, you don't go straight to the sugary treats. Nuts and seeds are a great option.

-       Eat to appetite. Listen to your body and tune into when you have had enough. When you feel your eyes are becoming bigger than your belly, take 3 deep breaths and know you can always enjoy the food tomorrow. The main thing to remember is that holiday meals don’t have to leave you feeling completely stuffed and like you need to take a nap afterwards.

-       Fill your plate half full of vegetables and salad first, then enjoy the rest in moderation. Minimise the fried, refined carbohydrates and sugary foods.

-       Drink ginger tea, hot lemon water or peppermint tea after meals to support digestion

LIFESTYLE

-       Meditate! Carve out time for yourself to meditate. Starting your day with meditation puts you in the best state to make healthier choices throughout the day.

-       Go for a gentle walk after big meals. This helps to support digestion.

-       Don’t skip the workout. Try doing shorter, more intense workouts to fit into your busy social commitments. While you may feel exhausted from all the socialising, exercising will pick up energy. Try to exercise first thing in the morning when you’re most likely to feel energised, and less likely to think of excuses as to why you shouldn’t.

-       Recover ‘sleep debt’. Use this time of year to get the sufficient 7-8 hours of sleep most people need.

 Author: Tegan Wallis

Tegan is a Naturopath, Ayurveda Health Consultant and Yoga Teacher at Griffith Consulting's sister company, Veda Wellness.

Tegan is one of Griffith Consulting's key program facilitators and specialises in workplace health & wellness. 

For more information about Tegan or her services, please go to: www.vedawellness.com.au