Staying Healthy Over the Holidays

It's here again!  The time of year when we eat too much, spend too much, and stress too much. By January we are exhausted and broke. To add insult to injury, we feel bloated and our pants are way too tight. Isn't this suppose to be the most wonderful time of year? Well, I'm here to tell you this year CAN be your best holiday season if you follow these healthy living tips.
Every article I've ever read on this subject states somewhere that moderation is the key to maintaining health over the holidays. I don't agree. Moderation, the overused term in the wellness and diet industry, is really just a fancy way of saying 'discipline' or 'will-power' is the key to health. If this were true, I would be overweight, lethargic and stressed everyday.  Especially during the holidays!
I have found the real answer to staying healthy over the holidays, or any day for that matter, is focusing on what you can do. On what you can eat. On what your body needs. On what I call, eating for energy.  Eating for holiday energy is grounded in 5 principles: rest, movement, eating well, attitude, and hydration.

1.  Get adequate rest.
Amidst all the shopping, wrapping, school plays, parties, cooking and travel, we forget to slow down, rest and most importantly, get adequate sleep. Sleep tends to be the first sacrifice we make over the holidays. Not getting proper rest leads to many health problems including increased stress and emotional eating. Plan on getting adequate sleep daily (aim for 7-8 hours)as it is the best defense for maintaining a strong immune system. Look for other ways to add rest breaks into your day such as sitting down during your next shopping excursion, practice deep breathing when you park your car, or take a bath at night.

2.  Move. Then move some more.
Keep up with your current exercise program. Working out helps improves your mood, energy levels and helps reduce your risk of getting a cold by 20%-30%. Even if you can't find time for a full program, make sure you move everyday. After all, a body in motion stays in motion. I like to add movement to my busy schedule without giving it much thought such as: parking further away in lots; before leaving a store or mall, take an extra lap around; when you're at a party, walk over to engage people don't wait for them to come to you; dance around the kitchen when cooking. Just keep moving!

3.  Eat well.
That's right. While most health experts will tell you to reach for low-fat foods, practice portion control or avoid all the sugar and processed foods completely, I'm telling you to eat! Make no mistake about it, this is no excuse to overeat or eat loads of junk food. I'm just saying to give your body what it wants, listen to your cravings and incorporate nutritionally dense foods daily (translation: lots of fruit / vegetables, especially raw). Make sure to eat breakfast everyday and whatever you eat at parties savor the flavor (not quantity) and focus on chewing really well.
Some additional tips I've learned over the years is to talk more than you eat (after all, the holidays are really about relationships, right?), eat a healthy snack before the party and check your emotions at the door so you only eat when hungry.

4.  Be jolly.
Despite our best intentions, the holidays are a time when we eat too much, travel too much and do too much. This is a recipe for exhaustion and energy depletion leading to anxiety and stress. Let's face it - you have two options here: 1) allow the stress to get the best of you or 2) enjoy the holidays like you did as a kid. Choosing a positive attitude (or even faking it!) this time of year will pay huge health dividends in the end. Enjoy your family, party guests (yes, even work parties) and remember that the holidays are grounded in love and gratitude. And the best part: the more love you give away, the more will come back to you.

5.  Stay hydrated.
Alcohol, caffeine, and cigarette smoking can cause dehydration, which may increase your risk for infection. Maintain your hydration by drinking lots of water daily. Staying hydrated will make you eat less (we sometimes confuse 'hunger' for 'thirst') and keep the body functioning well. Throughout the winter, there is also less moisture in the air so consider adding a humidifier to your home or office.

Finally, nourishing your spirit is truly the foundation to a healthy holiday season. People with a regular religious or spiritual practice live longer, healthier lives. No matter what your practice, take time to share your kindness, compassion, and generosity with others and connect with all that is sacred in your life.