Your Survival Guide for Christmas Bliss
Ah, the holiday season – a time of joy, sunshine, and of course, indulgent feasts. As we gear up for the holidays, it’s essential to prepare our bodies for what lies ahead.
This Part 1 of my Holiday Survival Guide is designed to help prepare your body this Christmas, with advice on how to keep your body nourished and feeling great while eating out, or spending time with friends and family!
First things first – banish the notion that it’s “all or nothing”.
This is not about denying yourself the pleasures of the holiday table – but it’s not about going all in and over-the-top, either. It’s about approaching it with intention, mindfulness, and a celebration of the abundance that surrounds us.
Hack 1: Practice Fasting
Fasting and Festivity – a pairing that might seem unconventional but it’s a great tool!
The holiday season often lures us into a rhythm of overindulgence, late nights, and a tad too much merriment, only to repeat it all again.
I don’t mean to be the Grinch who stole your Christmas but during this season, it’s crucial to give your body a hit reset.
Intermittent fasting is not about deprivation! It’s about creating mindful eating windows before and during the holiday feast events. Consider it a calculated strategy before, and a reset button after, for your body.
The result? You’ll stay within a manageable calorie range and your gut and organs won’t be consistently bombarded and overloaded, either.
Need fasting help?! Check out my blog “Beauty in the Fast Lane” . It’s a friendly guide to incorporating fasting safely, using it as a tool to nourish not just your gut but also your hormones.
Hack 2: Plan Your Large Meals In Advance
Whether attending a work Christmas party, an end-of-year celebration, or the significant Christmas day lunch, some mindful planning can keep you on track!
Firstly, don’t leave home on an empty stomach.
Arriving at an event with hunger pangs increases the probability of indulging excessively in energy-dense party foods.
So before leaving home, whip up a nutritious snack, like a balanced smoothie or a quick veggie omelette. This proactive strategy ensures you arrive at the event without the urgency of heading straight for the buffet.
Hack 3: Go For Protein First
As you approach the platter, the buffet, or wave down the waiter with the canape tray… you’ll want to have a strategy of what foods to choose. The most filling and energy dense are going to be your proteins.
Hack 4: Indulge? Yes! In summer fruits!
I LOVE this time of year and all the seasonal fruits. Indulging in fruits first as a sweet treat are a great way to both nourish your body and hit those cravings, and you can balance out the volume of sugar you eat by sourcing most of it from Mother Nature’s treats.
Need some fruit feasting ideas?
Make a holiday jam,
Fresh smoothies,
Mocktails,
Or a Cherry and Rhubarb Crumble for dessert.
So many options!
Hack 5: Slow Food Eating – Nourish, Enjoy, Rest and Savour!
The abundance of festive feasts can sometimes lead to a not-so-festive bloating build-up due to sheer mindless eating (too quickly!).
Slow food eating is your gut’s best friend during this season of excess.
Chew your food thoroughly and savor each bite – you’ll actively help your digestion and enjoy it more! This reduces the likelihood of discomfort and bloating, creating a harmonious environment in your gut.
Also, eating slowly is your secret weapon against going overboard. As you leisurely enjoy your meals, your body gets the time it needs to signal fullness to your brain. This subtle cue helps prevent overindulgence, supporting a more balanced and gut-friendly holiday diet.
CONCLUSION:
As we wrap up my Holiday Festive Season Survival Guide, let’s embrace the joy and celebrations, but make sure you and your body are well-prepared for the month ahead.
You deserve to revel in the joys of the season while keeping your well-being at the forefront.
Can’t wait to share part 2! Stay tuned.
References:
- https://thewellnessjunction.com/
- https://www.healthline.com/
- https://www.awesconutrition.com/my-post
Get your body festive-season ready! ✨
My 3-Day Mini Cleanse is your ticket to a quick, easy, and effective mid-week detox, preparing you to shine during the upcoming festivities!
