The holidays can be a mixed bag of gifts. They’re as renowned for their stressfulness as they are for being a wonderful opportunity to connect with loved ones, clarify end-of-year intentions… and eat!
In December, Christmas lights and festive, high-caloric food abounds everywhere. And whether you have been “naughty or nice” this year, it’s often easier to go with the flow and throw back an Eggnog or two than stick to unrealistic dietary expectations.
Here are a few ideas for creating balance of in the midst of tables laden with sugar, fat and that magical appetite stimulant: family dynamics.
1. Calories DO count. Weight gain often occurs when we feel emotionally triggered. And, “emotional eating” is a biggie during the holidays. Pay attention to the foods you choose to eat and use some discipline for portion control.
2. Limit taste testing. Lots of us spend time cooking and baking with our family over the holiday season. Make sure you aren’t hungry while cooking and doing your taste tests, especially on those sweet treats as we don’t realize how many calories are in those little bites!
3. Exercise more. Exercise has dual actions – it’s a stress buster and an antidote to the extra intake of calories. Five hundred calories per day, or 3,500 per week, will produce a one-pound gain. So, treat yourself to an extra yoga class or a good, long walk or hike in the fresh air alone or with the family. Breathe deeply and feel your feet connect to Mother Earth.
4. Have a pre-party meal. Before you head out to your holiday parties, enjoy a healthy meal at home! Then, when you arrive at the party, scout out a favorite food to indulge in. Keep your portions small and enjoy every bite. You won’t actually be hungry so it will be easy to go slow and savor the treat like it’s a your favorite gift.
5. No doggie bags please. Enough said!
6. No dessert at home. Please do not stock the panty with sweet delights just in case someone may drop by. If unexpected guests pop in, make a quick run to the store (in your sneakers, if possible). Keeping those sweet treats in stock is just an invitation to eat them. Better yet, keep healthful, delicious snacks around the house so, if you do indulge, splurge or binge, you won’t have regrets. When unexpected friends drop by, let them leave surprisingly nourished by your healthy fare, sans a sugar hangover.
7. Stay hydrated. Alcohol, sugar and refined carbs add stress to your system. So do holiday hangovers. In the colder months, we tend to not drink as much water as on a hot, sunny day. Staying hydrated helps flush toxins, and fewer toxins keep your skin and spirits brighter. Plus, water oxygenates your cells, which raises your overall vibration. “Tis the season to be jolly.”
8. Drink Consciously. Alcohol is high in calories and, although fun in the moment, keep in mind it is a depressant. Non-alcoholic beverages like Eggnog, Juice Punch and Spiced Apple Cider, pack some serious calories as well. Try sparkling water and lime with a splash of cranberry juice to feel festive. And, it looks like the perfect holiday cocktail, too!
9. Choose happiness and count your blessings. Yes, it’s a cliché but it’s true: happy people are more grateful; and grateful people seem to be happier. Don’t wait until your relationships, finances or life circumstances are “perfect” to open your heart and be grateful. Where you place your attention is where the energy flows. So, start the day by taking a few moments to count your blessings and declare more gratitude for every blessing in your life, big or small! If you need some extra support, consider Terraoceana’s homeopathic remedies such as: ACUTE RESCUE RELIEF or STRESS RELIEF to assist in finding your zen place!
10. Sweet Slumber. Sleep is when your body heals itself and when your mind takes a break from all the “over-managing”. Make sure you get enough of this magic elixir, even if it means saying “no” once in a while. Have a warm cup of herbal tea with a dash of cinnamon to help regulate your blood sugar before bedtime. Keep Terraoceana’s RESTORATIVE SLEEP formula on hand to ensure a good night’s rest before those high pressured days. Wake up rested and ready to “take it on”.
11. Breathe. Take a few moments of deep breathing and visualize sending good thoughts to the planet and all its inhabitants, wishing them health, safety and peace. It’s good karma and will calm your overall nervous system. Then, invite the seasonal sugar-plum fairies to dance in your head and settle down to slumber in your cozy warm bed.
12. DO drink this. When all else fails, break out the big guns. This drink is alkalizing, detoxifying and deeply nourishing. It will give you plenty of energy and mental clarity to deal with whatever dietary and emotional curve balls the holidays might throw your way.
Berry Blast Antioxidant Smoothie
2 0z Organic Cranberry, Blueberry or Blackberry Juice
6 0z Water or Organic Coconut Water
1⁄4 cup organic Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1⁄4 cup organic Raspberries or Pomegranates (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons Terraoceana’s POWER FOR LIFE (organic green superfood supplement)
1 scoop Terraoceana’s POWER PROTEIN PLUS (organic vegan protein and probiotics)
1 scoop Terraoceana’s WHOLEFOOD VITAMIN C (organic bioflavonoids / Vitamin C)
Mix all ingredients in a blender and drink this antioxidant, alkalizing elixir for the extra boost and protection you need!
So, let’s make a toast to your Health Wealth and self care this holiday season!
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