A Nutritionists guide to a healthy festive season
As the calendar flips towards the end of the year and the festive season approaches, bringing with it a whirl wind of festivities, celebrations, and often, a deviation from our usual healthy routines. While it's natural to indulge and enjoy this special time of year, it's equally important to prioritize your well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips to help you stay healthy during the silly season without compromising on the fun.
Stick to your typical routine: Before heading out to your next event, it may be tempting to skip a meal, but you'll probably find yourself arriving hungry and overindulging. To avoid this it’s a good idea to continue to eat wholesome meals and snacks throughout the day. Sticking to high-fiber, high-protein options as a priority will help you control your appetite. Start your day by having some fresh fruit with Greek yoghurt and Christmas Spice Granola or snack on some veggie sticks with this dreamy hummus recipe.
Bring something healthy to the table: Have a few healthy options available such as yummy salads, grilled meat or fish, a fruit platter, and vegetable sides. This way you can pair your festive delicacies with some healthy options, it’s all about the balance! A good rule of thumb to portion a balanced meal is to have 1/4 plate carbohydrates, 1/2 plate of lean protein and 1/2 of your plate to be made up of salad or vegetables.
Stay hydrated: If you are drinking alcohol, opt for low sugar options. Take breaks between drinks with water or sparkling water to avoid drinking excessively. Otherwise you can for a delicious mocktail to bring your drinks to life - An easy go to recipe is muddling lime wedges with mint, topping with soda water and some lime juice and adding a dash of pomegranate juice.
Move your body: With some gyms and studios shutting down for a much-needed break, allow yourself that same well-deserved rest and don’t feel guilty about it. It’s okay to not spend your usual allocated time each week sweating it out - but it is important to move your body whether it’s taking the time to go for a walk, a swim, doing some yoga in the sun or playing some backyard sports. Moving your body not only supports your digestion, but is so important for your wellbeing.
Clock your Z’s: It’s a busy time of year with events booked in throughout December and into the new year. Making sure you are achieving 7-8 hours sleep a night will benefit you by keeping your energy levels up, balancing your mood and nervous system and regulating your appetite and digestion (plus so much more).