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Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Christmas
The holidays are a wonderful time for family, friends and celebrations. But traditions and festivities can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Consider some of the tips below and have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!
Good food keeps us happy and healthy
If we deny ourselves everything we love, or watch every mouthful, we're missing out. It's all about balance. Try following the 80/20 rule: eat well 80 percent of the time, and the other 20 percent is reserved for those special times and treats we love most.
Out of sight, out of mind
When kitchen countertops become a home for stollen and leftovers, it can be easy to end up mindlessly picking at them every time you walk into the room. Consider keeping food packed away in cupboards or the fridge. If there are always treats in your eye line, it’s a whole lot easier to be tempted and end up mindlessly picking. Store treats away and only get them out when you make the conscious decision that you want to enjoy them. When you’re finished, put them straight back in the cupboard.
Get your Zs
When we don’t get enough good quality sleep, our body produces more of the hunger hormone ghrelin, and less of the satiety hormone leptin. Feeling more hungry and less satisfied by the food we do eat. Do your best to keep to your normal bedtime. If you do have a late night, make time for a nap, to catch up on sleep. This will also help avoid overeating due to tiredness.
Mindful tips to de-stress
Not feeling particularly cheery this time of year? You're not alone. Many find that the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy but there are ways to ease through the season. To help make the most of your festivities follow some of the tips linked below:
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Make a plan for January
Set a date for when the celebrations end and life returns to normal. This helps prevent any Christmas habits creeping into daily life. If you’re looking to optimize your health, there is never a better time than looking towards the New Year!
Give yourself a break
Christmas can be stressful and tiring. Joyful, yes, but also exhausting. Be kind to yourself. A week or so of Christmas indulgence won’t undo your consistent efforts over time. By following some of the tips above, you can make sure you have an enjoyable festive season without feeling restricted or like you have failed. Enjoy your food, relish opportunities for eating socially with your loved ones, and focus on consistency over perfection.
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