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The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be a recipe for health woes if we’re not careful. If “getting healthy” and “losing weight” are on your New Year’s resolution list, why wait? Start planning and living a healthier lifestyle today. [Read more: The 7 Habits—Proven to transform lives]
Holiday food tends to be rich in sugar, fat, and indulgent treats, which can leave our digestive systems feeling off balance. Problems like indigestion, constipation, and acid reflux are common companions to festive feasts. Couple that with late nights, excess alcohol, and stress, and it’s no wonder we feel burnt out by the time Christmas rolls around. [Read more: TCM Dietary Advice]
But fear not! Here’s your survival guide to staying healthy through the Holiday season:
1. Be Alcohol Aware
Indulging in holiday drinks is a part of the fun, but the aftermath of overdoing it—headaches, nausea, and overall discomfort—can quickly spoil the mood. So before the party starts, figure out ways to control your drinking and the effect it will have on your body. Some tried and tested measures include:
Eat before drinking and throughout the night to help moderate alcohol absorption and keep your stomach settled.
Drink slowly to pace yourself.
Opt for low-alcohol varieties of beer or wine, or diluting your alcoholic drinks (try a spritzer or a shandy).
Make every second drink non-alcoholic, non-fizzy soft drinks or just water.
2. Be a Healthy Host
If you’re the one throwing a party or hosting an event, great! Make healthy choices easier for everyone by providing plenty of lighter party food, like cut-up vegetables and dip, a fresh fruit platter, and meat options such as kebabs or lean meats, or fish. With a little planning, you can create a spread that's both festive and nourishing.
3. Limit Treats
If your office or home is full of Christmas cheer (that is, Christmas food), it’s a given that you’ll enjoy a shortbread, mince pie, or cute Christmas cupcake with your cup of tea. Little indulgences are good – just keep track of how many small treats you’re having. Keeping a food diary (on paper or a phone app) helps you keep track of the extras, and increases your awareness of how often you’re snacking.
4. Most Importantly, Be Mindful
Try to take a moment to be aware of what you’re eating. Focus on the big picture and the long-term health benefits. Before you bite into another piece of cake, a glass of alcohol, or another pack of chocolate, pause and ask yourself:
Am I actually hungry?
Do I really want to eat this?
Do I enjoy the taste, or am I just eating out of habit?
By pausing before indulging, you can make more conscious choices. We often had it drilled into us as kids that we needed to finish everything on our plates, but as adults, we have the freedom to stop when we’re satisfied, not when the plate is empty. Sometimes, just a few bites are all it takes to satisfy a craving. You might be surprised how often we only truly enjoy the first bite! [Read more: The Power of Mindful Eating: A Path to Health and Wellness] [Read more: When you eat is just as important as what you eat]
5. Strengthen Your Vital Energies with TCM Herbal Supplements
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a sophisticated and powerful approach to support your body during the holiday season. TCM herbs are more than just supplements; they target specific energies and organs, addressing imbalances with precision. By focusing on different types of energy, TCM herbs provide strengthening and cleansing effects that go beyond the capabilities of regular dietary adjustments, making them a unique and effective option for overall wellness.
In the upcoming articles, we are going to talk about prevention and TCM herbal remedies for hangover and digestive system symptoms around the holiday season.
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