How to stay healthy and happy this holiday season

There is a tingle in the air… the holidays are approaching fast and wherever you turn, there’s likely a party going on. And most of the time, people put their best foot forward, gastronomically speaking, and the results are… well, amazing, but also pushing us to the heavier side of life. The usual line goes something like ‘I’ll indulge, but as soon as the holidays are over, I’ll join the gym, do a detox, and/or resume my workout schedule…’ If it sounds familiar, do not worry, we’ve all been there at least once (at least!).

It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing though. There is a way to have fun, treat yourself to some delightful dishes – desserts and Christmas sweets included – and not wreck your health or forgo your fitness routine to the point of rolling back the clock to before you even started your regular workout routines. Here are some great true-and-tried tips from our practitioners:

• Stephanie McCann: Exercise early before the festivities begin, or involve friends and family in my movement plans, whether it’s an after dinner walk to burn off a few calories from turkey dinner, or joining my mom for an aqua fit class (not my typical choice but allows me to spend quality time with the ones I love.) Drink adequate water and tea to ensure I stay hydrated and avoid consuming other beverages.
• Melissa Tancredi: The key for me is not to jump out of my routine too much. I don’t mean work, that will be ZERO, I mean working out. I’ll set up a plan and try my best to stick to it. The key is to get my workout in early, so I can relax and enjoy the rest of the day and not feel too bad when the actual Italian festivities begin (food and drink). What adds more stress to my system is when I don’t workout and feel heavy and full throughout the holidays. I want to keep moving, feel fresh and accomplished, so that I can take on the loud table conversations, long nights, and a ton of food with as much energy as I can. Set a goal. Block off times. Work hard. Enjoy!

Bonus tips:

Catch up on your sleep – being rested will help avoid getting sick and will also help prevent overeating (being sleep deprived makes us reach for sugar-rich foods, research says.)

Balance your food choices with some immune-boosting items such as antioxidants (fruit, veggies, leafy greens) and probiotics (yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso). A good solution to over-consuming seasonal treats is to put them away when not served for dessert. Also, a note on calorie-rich snacks such as nuts, dried fruit and cheese: it all adds up! If some meals are particularly heavy, opt for a light option on your next meal or skip it altogether and have some herbal tea instead. Peppermint, chamomile, fennel, and ginger are particularly good options to concoct a helpful cup of tea (or a kettle if needed!).

Wishing you beautiful, bright, and happy holidays and a great 2018!