1. Eat before going out
With an increase of visits, trips, family dinners and catch ups its best to eat something before heading out as it means you’re less likely to overindulge. Skipping meals is not a good idea either as this can lead to eating more later on!
2. Drink Water
We should be aiming to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, and during the festive period we tend to eat richer foods, consume more sugar and drink more alcoholic beverages. This can put additional pressures on our liver and other detoxification pathways, which, if not functioning fully can leave us feeling tired and sluggish. Drinking water helps support our body to flush out these toxins more easily.
3. Proactively Using Pure Essential Oils
Our calendars can get really packed in the run up and during the Christmas periods, coupled with later nights can leave us tired and run down making us more susceptible to catching colds and viruses. Using Essential oils aromatically and topically and at regular intervals throughout the day means our bodies are regularly utilising the properties of essential oils which can help to support our immune system, balance hormone, manage stress levels, help us relax and sleep better.
4. Don’t skip meals especially breakfast!
Having a filling balanced breakfast sets you up for the day and means you’re less likely to continually graze and over-consume during the course of the day.
5. Eat your Veggies
Loading your plate with vegetables of all different colours and varieties will provide you will immune boosting antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Aim for 50% of your plate to be filled with vegetables with 25% for protein and the remaining 25% for carbohydrates. Cruciferous vegetables such as Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage are great for supporting the Liver for detoxification too.
6. Practise Sleep Hygiene
Both the quality and quantity of sleep has a hugh positive impact on our mental and physical health and wellbeing. It gives our mind and body time to process the impact of the day, rest, relax and repair. Practising regular sleep hygiene can help to fall and stay asleep more easily and soundly
7. Manage Sugar Intake
With so many tempting treats on offer balancing sugar with protein and fibre will help with energy highs/lows, hangry headaches and craving even more sugar! Choose low GI foods, pair fresh fruit e.g. apples with cheese or almond butter, berries with nuts/seeds/Greek yogurt.
8. Managing Stress levels
The run-up and prep of Christmas can increase stress levels coupled with being in a closed environment with relatives can put a stain on many relationships – create a positive, uplifting atmosphere by diffusing essential oils such as Wild Orange, Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense which are fresh and uplifting yet calming and grounding too.
9. Reduce Sweet Temptations
Have a bowl of fresh fruit and/or pre-prepped crudités at home to snack on and make these more accessible than the sugary treats and cakes. Similarly, if you are hosting keep a bowl of fresh fruit/prepped crudités out for guests to select from.
10. Keep Active
Try and keep up with your exercise routine as much as possible. If you’re away from home, take your trainers with you and explore by foot – look out for local parks for walks and runs, try out any new outdoor gifts, plan outdoor activities as much as possible and where everyone can be involved.