10 TIPS TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND STRESS-FREE

The time is here and the holidays are officially under way.  It’s that time of year when everyone is hustling and bustling their way through the holidays.  Stress levels rise and overwhelm begins to set in.  Just so much to keep track of, especially those with larger families…

 Meal planning, food shopping, family visits, travel arrangements, holiday gift shopping, and then some…

Whoa!  That’s enough to drive you over the top.  It’s easy to let stress, anxiety, and overwhelm take over while losing sight of what’s truly important when amidst of all the chaos.  Before you know it, the holidays have come and gone and you are welcoming a new year wondering where in the world time went.

So how do you handle it all yet still remain grounded while keeping it healthy at the same time?

 Here are 10 tips to make the holidays more enjoyable: 

• Begin with a morning meditation – Starting your day off with a morning meditation of even just 10 to 15 minutes will set your day in motion for a positive and successful day ahead. During your meditation, include positive affirmations of how you intend your day to be like.  Be sure to also include expressions of gratitude.

• Stay active – Go for a refreshing morning walk or hike before kicking off the activities planned for the day. Make time for an afternoon walk and another one after dinner.  Walk as a family and share in discussion the things you are all grateful for.

• Have a healthy breakfast – Refuel with a nourishing fruit smoothie for an energy, nutrient boosting kinda of day. This will keep you feeling great and help you maintain self-control as you take on those unwanted cravings and temptations that may try to sneak up on you.

• Substitute unhealthy ingredients – Opt for healthier food ingredients versus the toxic junk that aids the cravings and encourages weight gain.  Here are some examples:

• Instead of white sugar – use coconut sugar or dates
• Instead of white flour – use brown rice flour, spelt flour, buckwheat flour, almond meal, hazelnut meal; almond meal and hazelnut meal can also be used in place of bread crumbs
• Instead of canned sugary fruit – use fresh or frozen fruit
• Instead of butter – use coconut oil for cooking or baking

• Keep it healthy – Opt for the raw, plant-based healthier food options when serving your plate and keep it in proper food combination. Even better, feel free to prepare your own healthy meal recipes to take with you if not hosting at home.  It also sets an example and encourages others to do the same.  If hosting at home, set some time aside to include your own healthy choices.  This will give you a chance to prepare your own meals in healthful portions and in the right food combinations so that you remain energized instead of feeling tired and drained.  It will also keep you from the after holiday dinner stomach blues!

• Skip seconds – Eat enough the first time around. Practice self-control and don’t overeat. One plate should be more than enough.  Walk it out and refresh.  You got this!

• Forget the leftovers – We all know that holiday leftovers can go on for days and so can the trips to the bathroom. Don’t worry about the leftovers.  New day, new you, new meal.  Feeling great versus the energy drain will remind you that you are on the right path.  Maintaining self-control will have you feeling amazing!

• Savor each bite – Chew your food slowly and well. Enjoy and savor every bite.  Don’t rush.  Take your time eating.  You will feel satiated and satisfied leaving the desire for more food behind.

• Release the guilt – Don’t feel guilty for wanting that piece of pie or cake. Eat what you desire but be sure to exercise control.

• Focus on family and friends – Most importantly, focus on what truly matters and the reason for the season: love and gratitude. Treasure every moment with family and friends. Sit and walk together while holding meaningful conversations; ones you can look back on and remember with new happy memories in the making.  It’s never too late to create new traditions that will live on for years and generations to come.  Remember, today only comes once.

I hope these tips and suggestions help relieve some of the tension, add love to your holidays, and inspire you to make time to take care of yourself today and every day. 

Your turn:  Share your favorite holiday tip in the comments below!

Love, light & holiday delight,

Sandra xo

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