Healthy Holiday Tips and Guide
We all know how we normally feel on Jan 2 after the indulgences we have during Christmas season...but you can still enjoy yourself and stay healthy with these simple tips to avoid that post holiday drab!
TIP #1
Eat a healthy snack first
This is one of the busiest times of the year and that means that we're on the go, running errands and trying to check off the to do lists before Christmas. Fuel yourself with a healthy protein smoothie, some fruit, nuts or a slice of avocado toast before you head out. This avoids the temptation of getting a less healthier option while you're in line at the store or gobbling extra chips in the car because you'll be satiated and have fuelled up before. You can also pack a fruit or simple granola bar to have ready when you begin to feel hungry while you're out.
TIP #2
Add lots of variety to your shopping list
Adding a lot of variety of seasonal fruits, herbs and veggies to your shopping list gives you the best chance to have the supply of nutritious foods available throughout the holidays. You can get more creative by trying new recipes and adding produce to your meals when they are available to you. Trying a new salad with a veggie you've never tried with a homemade dressing, incorporating some fresh seasonal herbs to a meal, or sprinkling a bit of pomegranate into a quinoa dish may add some exciting new flavours that keeps eating healthy fun. This will also encourage you to make your meals with lots of colour, which equals more antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits and overall nutrition.
If you have children, the best way to get them on board is to involve them in the process. Invite them to pick a new fruit as a snack , or to make a veggie drawing and they will be more open to help you create the new snacks or meals you want to incorporate.
Tip #3
Healthy Hosting
If you're hosting a holiday party, this doesn't mean that it has to completely derail your efforts to stay healthy! We are blessed to have a so much variety of healthy foods to choose from that can be tasty and appeasing to your guests, and they'll appreciate the options that will compliment the more indulgent food options.
1. Beverages
Healthy beverages are an easy way to add some healthier choices. Warm apple cider brewed with cinnamon sticks is a cold-weather favourite. Pomegranate juice is a fantastic drink for the holidays and is loaded with antioxidants. Sparkling juices makes a great non-alcoholic alternative, and warm peppermint tea with some raw honey is a holiday favourite.
2. Centrepieces and bowls
Presenting your guests with some variety of options invites them to enjoy some healthier treats that are still festive.
Raw or dry-roasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add minerals like zinc and magnesium.
Apples, pears, and pomegranates can make an eye catching centrepiece.
Dried fruit such as raisins, cherries, cranberries, and dates. Look for the unsweetened variety.
3. Tip #3
Alternative sweeteners
Using alternative sweeteners to bake your favourite holiday desserts is an easy way to reduce excess sugar intake. You can try experimenting with raw honey, dates or monk fruit which is lower on the glycemic index. These are great alternatives to bake and cook with that also contain fibre and enzymes. You can find many recipes online that will replace regular sugar with these types of options because most of the time you won't even be able to tell the difference!
Wishing you and your family a blessed and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!