Christmas Food Tips
CHRISTMAS! ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT SANTA?
Before Christmas joys start, the nights draw in and the weather is cooler and damper. We’ve swapped summer salads and cold food for nourishing soups and warming stews. Christmas lunches and parties will return this year.
If you’re worried about staying fit and healthy over the festive period, here are some simple tips to help you on your way. These tips will keep you straight and narrow.
Food tips
Turkey is an excellent option, as it’s high in tryptophan like chicken and bananas. We use tryptophan to make serotonin (happy hormone) and melatonin (sleep hormone). So, these foods improve our mood and sleep quality.
Avoid serving roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, and have extra vegetables instead. Parsnips are a healthy source of B vitamins and folic acid.
Brussels sprouts are delicious! Not only are they packed with folic acid, vitamins C and K, beta-carotene, B6 and fiber. They also have phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which fight cancer.
Swap puddings for fruit or mini desserts. I love mini mince pies.
Add ice to your Baileys or wine, or alternate one alcoholic drink with one glass of water.
At the buffet, opt for salsa dips, rather than cheese or sour cream. Choose plain nuts over honey/dry roast.
Stop when you’re full and don’t feel uncomfortable. Wait at least 20 minutes after a meal before deciding whether you need more food.
Try to keep daily movement in your routine and get some fresh air.
Aim for 6-8 glasses of filtered water daily, around 1.5-2L
Okay, so we’re not all right, and that’s okay. If you overindulge, here are some recovery tips for those afternoons when your trousers are tight and that button needs releasing.
Recovery tips
Rest and rehydrate the next day.
Filtered water, green tea or hot water with lemon juice are healthy choices
Eat fresh, healthy food. Don’t be tempted to grab convenience foods.
Nux vomica is an excellent homeopathic remedy for hangovers or carbohydrate-based remedies for indigestion. Take in 30C potency. Take it once before bed or up to three times a day. Stop when your symptoms improve.
Take a high dose of vitamin C 1000 mg.
Milk thistle is a great herb for liver support and digestion.
Ginger helps nausea.
Avoid strenuous exercise, but a gentle walk is great.
Not everybody enjoys Christmas. There’s a lot of pressure to host the right party and buy all the 'stuff' everyone else has. We don’t want to miss out. Then there’s the pressure to get everything done before the end of the year. I’m not keen on dark nights, and I personally find too many parties overwhelming. It can be helpful to prioritise what you want to do, enjoy, and remember to rest when you need to.
Tips for Mental Health
Don’t book too many activities and cram in too many visits.
Book pyjamas-free days to rest.
Enjoy time with family and friends you want to see.
Don’t overspend, and worry about repayment. People will understand.
If you have a full home, take time for a walk, get some fresh air, or listen to music.
Stop and breathe for 5 minutes to reduce stress.
If you have too many invitations, don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to some to avoid overwhelm.
Don’t try to have an ‘Instagram’ flawless Xmas. Do it the way you and your family enjoy it.
Turn off your phone or set your ‘do not disturb’ for a few hours, especially in the evenings
If you feel affected by darker days, invest in a S.A.D. light that mimics daylight or a sunlight alarm clock. I’ve used a Lumie one for years that gradually lights up to wake you up. It will make a sound, but I’m usually awake by then. This will improve your mood and sleep.
Hugs are effective stress relievers, so hug your partner, kids, friends and pets.
Thank you for reading this blog, and I hope this helps during the festive period. You can use these tips to improve your eating, relaxation, and mental health.
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