The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to nourish your body and rejuvenate your mind. Ultimately, however, it starts with your mindset. Design your meals and time over the holidays, rather than living by default or in a reactive, stressful state. Don’t let exercise or mindful activities such as dry body brushing or meditation fall wayside. Continue to make time for them so mentally you are prioritising your health. Put aside a small amount of time each week to complete household chores and financial admin. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed as holidays come to a close. Use your travel time as a way to explore things you wouldn’t normally have time for. For example, pack all those novels you’ve been meaning to read or listen to some interesting podcasts.
In terms of food, try to maintain at least two home cooked meals a day and avoid skipping meals. This is vital to ensure you don’t resort to junk food from simply allowing yourself to get too hungry. Even if you don’t have access to a kitchen, locate the nearest grocer and pick up nutritious snacks such as olives, nuts, organic cheese, pate and avocado.
Small amounts of alcohol are best consumed with food and try alternating each glass of wine with a glass of water to stay hydrated.
Always offer to take a plate of food to any social event. This way you know there’ll be at least one dish you can enjoy with good quality ingredients.
If you’re concerned about over indulging at an event or party, have a protein rich snack before you go. A smoothie with gelatin powder (I recommend Gelpro Peruvian Blend) is perfect because it helps to keep you full and is packed with nutrients.
Using herbs in meals wherever possible is a great way to promote blood sugar regulation. Cinnamon is the best herb for this so try adding to desserts, smoothies or even curries! Fenugreek and Turmeric are also useful.
Adding a source of good quality fat such as olive oil, butter, ghee or coconut oil to a carbohydrate such as rice, can help reduce a spike in blood sugar levels. This means you’ll have a more sustained release of energy.
No matter what you end up eating, always add a side of salad or vegetables. Maintaining a high intake of green vegetables will ensure you maximise nutrient intake and support liver detoxification.
Most importantly, this is a wonderful time to focus on relationships, including with yourself. Connect with friends and family and don’t forget to make some time to help others.
Fay Halkitis is a qualified Naturopath and Beauty Therapist at Luna Beauty & Apothecary.
