A handful of colorful Christmas cookies.

Christmas and New Year’s and Channukkah, oh my! The holidays are fast approaching, and you know what that means…Food! Delicious, sugary, salty, fatty food. Here are some tips for staying healthy this winter.

Eat Mindfully

Look, we know how excited you are for Christmas dinner. You’ve been waiting for it all year long! Just don’t let that excitement consume your actions to the point where you’re plowing through your mashed potatoes like a bulldozer. Sit back and pay attention to your meal. Savor each separate aroma, texture, and flavor. The simple action of applying mindfulness to your eating habits not only allows you to enjoy your food more fully, but it prevents you from binging to the point of discomfort. (…We’ve all been there.)

Don’t Skip Meals

It’s a classic Christmas move- skipping out on breakfast and lunch to make room for that exquisite holiday dinner. The idea is simple, but it does more harm than good. First of all, restricting your diet is detrimental to your digestive health, causing side-effects like dizziness and bloating. Plus, when you starve in preparation for a huge meal, you’re just setting yourself up to compensate by overeating, which kind of negates the whole mindfulness thing.

Get Those Nutrients

On that note, make sure your in-between meals and snacks are good and nutritious. We know holiday meals to be a delicious assortment of fat, carbs, and sugar, so getting your nutrients in elsewhere is imperative to staying healthy. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet this time of year to provide you with essential vitamins, minerals, and of course, fiber. Trust us when we say your belly will thank you.

Stay Hydrated

Similarly, you need to make sure you’re getting enough water. Proper hydration is key to staying healthy, as it affects pretty much every function of the human body. In fact, drinking enough water is proven to regulate everything from body temperature to sleep quality to mood. Chances are, you’ll be tempted with all kinds of exciting drinks this holiday season. Just make sure to drink plenty of water between those cocktails, at the very least for the sake of avoiding a hangover.

Be Active

Whatever your winter schedule looks like, always take some time out of your day to just move. We all know that staying active plays an important role in overall health, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to bust your “you-know-what” working out every day. It looks different for everybody! Maybe you’re into CrossFit, or maybe you like yoga. Hey, a brisk morning walk could be the move for you. Just find what feels good and keep it consistent.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Here’s the thing… Stress takes a really significant toll on your body. Probably even more significant than you would imagine. There are well-known symptoms like headaches and insomnia, but the burden of stress also causes high blood pressure, heartburn, and a weakened immune system. It can even lead to rapid, unhealthy weight loss, and weight gain. So, amidst the chaos of the holiday season, make sure to take some time to relax.  

Don’t Overthink It

Most importantly on this list…Enjoy yourself! There’s no point in tormenting yourself by obsessing over calorie counting and intense exercise. Just listen to your body and do what feels good. Cherish your loved ones, eat what you crave, and have a good time. Happy holidays!

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