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5 Tips for a Healthy Christmas

Healthy Eating Christmas
Posted in: Lifestyle, Events

5 Tips for a Healthy Christmas

We often get swept up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas time and sometimes we put our health on the back burner. During this busy season, it's important to take time for yourself. Be mindful of the following tips to help you feel your best while you're shopping for gifts, enjoying good food and perhaps indulging slightly more than usual.

1. Make a list and check it twice Lists can be a powerful tool that helps keep the mind calm, relaxed and focused. Keep track of groceries, gift ideas and errands and you'll be more organized and less likely to stress out over last-minute Christmas shopping.

2. Don't forget about your greens During the holiday feasting month of December, try your hardest to include greens in your diet and eat sensibly. Parties and functions leading up to Christmas can create opportunities for unnecessary weight gain, with carb-loaded dishes and irresistible sweet treats often being served up. Try to maintain reasonable portion sizes while indulging and don't forget that your body is still craving nutritious, healthy foods such as fruits, veggies, lean meats and grains. 

3. Choose healthy sweets Those with a sweet tooth can opt for healthy, lighter alternatives that still taste great.

  • For Christmas baking, choose almond or oat flours instead of refined white flour
  • Coconut sugar or maple syrup is a great alternative to refined white sugar
  • Avocado puree has nearly the same consistency at room temperature as butter. Its subtle flavour and creaminess lends it to be a suitable substitute for butter in brownie recipes
  • Mashed, ripe banana has a creamy, thickening power and can be used instead of butter or oil in some recipes, such as muffins

If you need something sweet after dinner and want to serve up healthy options for your friends and family, consider the chocolate-dipped strawberry or chocolate-coated frozen banana. A yogurt parfait with nuts, fruit and chocolate shavings is another great, simple option. Use the healthier dark chocolate instead of milk or white.

4. Limit alcohol consumption If you drink, keep it moderate. Be mindful that some drinks are more than one standard drink. You may choose to avoid top-ups so that you can better keep track of your drink count. Alcohol is a diuretic that encourages fluid loss from the body, so remember to alternate alcoholic beverages with glasses of water to maintain hydration. Coconut water is also a great way to rapidly restore electrolytes.

5. Exercise Whether you hit the gym for a workout or head outdoors for a stroll with family or friends, adding some physical activity to your daily routine during the festive season is a fantastic way to keep your body and mind feeling fresh. Enjoying the outdoors can break up the day and you'll find that the fresh air will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

6. Spend quality time with family and friends The most important part of the festive season is spending time with loved ones. Remembering this may help reduce the stresses associated with this time of year and distance you from the commercial side of the holiday. Be sure to remind the special people in your life how much they mean to you. Blessings, The Team at Zebra Organics

3 years ago