ALLIE’S TOP 10 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT

The holiday season effects just about everyone, as there are so many things going on at the end of the year. Whether it be holiday parties, over indulging or added stress, we all experience situations that may not be “the norm”.  So, I wanted to put together and share my tips and tricks that help me get through the holiday season with ease.

1. START WITH BREAKFAST: consider healthy breakfast options like oatmeal with berries and cinnamon, eggs with veggies or a protein packed smoothie.
2. DON’T SKIP LUNCH: keep it light with a salad with herbs and lemon as dressing or cozy vegetable soup.
3. DON’T OMIT SNACKS: keep hunger at bay with healthy snacks. I like to keep them handy and portable with fruit, raw nuts or veggie sticks (celery, cucumber, carrots, peppers and zucchini). Try to have a snack right before leaving for an event.
4. WORRY FREE DINNER: try keeping this meal as routine (lean protein and veggies) as possible, especially on those days when you don’t have any events to attend. When attending an event or party, choose carefully. Look for healthy options and try to avoid things that are fried, breaded or heavy on the sauce.
5. WATER, WATER ,WATER: don’t‘ forget to stay hydrated. I like to suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces (ie: if one is 100lbs, then aim for 50oz). I also like to add a glass of water for every cocktail I may have during the holidays.
6. COCKTAILS/MOCKTAILS~TO HAVE OR NOT: this is a very personal choice, but many people have a cocktail, or mocktail, or two while celebrating this time of year. Whether it’s something simple like a glass of wine, or something more festive like eggnog, coquito, mulled wine, shakes and hot cocoa…be mindful. Know your limits, and be careful of the festive drinks. They can tend to be higher in calories and fat.
7. MAKE SURE YOU SLEEP: it can be easy to not get enough sleep, as schedules can get rather full. Making sure you’re getting appropriate sleep will always help you to feel refreshed.
8. THE MOST STRESSFUL TIME OF THE YEAR: if you are anything like me, you’re stress level may increase this time of the year. We tend to pack a lot into just a few short weeks, and may feel like we’re being pulled in numerous directions at once. Many people have even mentioned that they tend to feel lonely this time of year. Reach out to friends, family and neighbors to check in and offer kind words. And don’t forget to take time for yourself and self-care.
9. THE MAGIC WORD~NO: don’t forget that you don’t need to accept every invitation you receive. Give yourself permission to say NO…there is no shame in this word.
10. MY GO-TO SUPPLEMENTS: don’t forget how important supplements are, particularly this time of year. My must haves include the following:

• Plant Protein or Whey Protein Powder that I add to a smoothie for breakfast
• Probiotic Hx to keep my gut happy
• L-Theanine to help keep manage my stress levels
• Immunity Multivitamin to give my vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, while also supporting my immune system
• Greens Hx to help give me some extra nutrients that may be missing while navigating holiday events

I hope that my holiday tips and tricks are as helpful to you and they have been for me, year after year! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!!