The holiday season is upon us, and while we look forward to time spent with family and friends, holiday cheer and all of the food. We still need to make sure we are making a provisional plan for self-care during this time.
Why is this important? Statistically, Canadians spend almost 20% of their income on food alone during the holiday season! There is no surprise that overconsumption and indigestion (and discomfort) is one of the highest concerns during these months. In Canada, with Thanksgiving in October, the celebrations start a full month earlier than our neighbours to the South.
Here at Body ‘N’ Bloom our first thought is always on the skin – if you haven’t already read our October blog, make sure you take the time to do so. Keep the basics in mind. Cold air means dry skin, hydration is key and you will need a little help from your products. Make sure you are including the correct nutrients in your diet, and taking supplements if you cannot find them naturally.
A great way to start out the festive season is by making a personal plan for significant events, and compulsory meals. If your family is large and tends towards the traditional full turkey dinner with all the trimmings, you may want to reduce the number of similar events that you will be attending, or request to attend at a later time so that you are not expected to enjoy all the food, every time. The key to surviving the food-excess is by being smart about your choices and practising moderation. Have the turkey, lay off on the gravy. Enjoy the pumpkin pie, lay off on the cream and toppings. You get the idea.
If your group is open to change, a great idea is to suggest alternative meal options. Skip the potatoes and gravy and try out something lighter and healthier this year. There are plenty of options that are lower in sodium and saturated fats, and you could even suggest a pot-luck where everyone brings one dish, adding that they have to be creative and try something healthier. Some of our favourites include whole fish (salmon is a great choice), venison, salads, and roasted root vegetables. An even bigger challenge would be to try out a vegetarian meal – but make sure you are also practical, and reduce unnecessary added stress!
When it comes to self-care, though, nutrition is not the only consideration during this season. One of the most overlooked needs is rest. We assume that we will get enough, proper sleep during the holidays because of just that — they are holidays. On the contrary – we do tend to sleep more, but in shorter bursts, and often right after consuming heavy foods which means that our sleep is interrupted or even harmful because we haven’t given our system time to recover post-consumption. Our bodies burn more calories when we are awake and moving. Going to sleep directly after eating slows this process, causing weight gain, bloating and digestive issues. Double whammy – poor quality of rest, and weight issues. Make sure you are avoiding this habit, especially during periods of more-eating-than-usual.
A great way to get the group involved is by introducing a new tradition which involves exercise or being outdoors. Skip the heavy lunch, and go for a hike or a run, and come back for a later lunch which would replace the typically heavy dinner. If you are in a position to enjoy the winter landscape, why not try a family ice-skating or sledding expedition? Take a walk around the neighbourhood singing festive songs, or volunteer as a group at a local charity or food bank. Creativity sparks engagement, and your group will appreciate the concern about their health.
Another little-thought of concern is your mental health. Holidays are a stress on even the most zen-like person, what with the pressure of year-end, family expectations, gifts, overspending, and having to produce food for more people than you are used to. Take time out every now and then to breathe, regroup and give yourself space. There is a reason that stereotypes exist, and the holiday tradition of family or friends arguing should not be one of them. Schedule a spa day for yourself and switch off all your devices – whether it is DIY or at Body N Bloom, disconnect and relax, even if it is only for a short time.
Last but not least, hydration hydration hydration.
It is so easy to become dehydrated during the holiday season. Not only do we tend to drink less water during the colder months, but we also tend to drink more dehydrating beverages such as coffee, alcohol, and high-sugar juices and sodas. It is also a little known fact that we still perspire in colder weather, and since our blood vessels constrict, their ability to take in water is also reduced. Keep to the rule of thumb of drinking a minimum of 8 250ml glasses per day. If it is easier for you, use a lightweight water bottle, and sip on water constantly throughout the day. Increased salt and oil in food also affects our hydration levels, another great reason to keep on sipping!
No matter how you spend the next month or so, make sure that the above tips become a part of your routine. Once you add them to your daily operations, you will see that in the next year you don’t even have to think about them, they will already be second nature. If you’re looking for support, ask us about our Metabolic Balance Diet® (we won’t judge if you wait until after the Holidays).
Happy Holidays, and hope you have a wonderful time!