12 Steps to Healthy Holidays

Lisa Tsakos

Healthy Eating - 12 Steps to Healthy Holidays

Naturally Savvy

The holiday season is a time of excess -- overspending, overindulging in unhealthy food and alcohol, more socializing than usual, and more stress on the body, mind and wallet. This year, the focus is on preventing the typical holiday weight gain and minimizing the effects of holiday stressors. Keep your budget and your waistline under control this season with these 12 suggestions:

1. Take Vitamins

Don't skimp on your vitamins during the holidays. The excess calories, most of them empty, create a need for even more nutrients. B vitamins are especially critical during the holidays to manage the added stress. A B-complex supplement taken with meals supplies the vitamins necessary to make brain chemicals. Dark leafy greens, whole grains, beans and lentils provide B vitamins. Ensure that your meals also include protein (which is needed to make neurotransmitters) and magnesium.

2. Load up on green

Green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli supply vitamins, minerals, roughage and enzymes. Eating a raw salad of mixed greens before each meal -- or as a meal -- fills your tummy and promotes good digestion. Steamed greens help to prevent constipation and are an excellent source of minerals.

3. Go raw for a day

Choose a day each week to eat (and drink) only raw food. There are plenty of foods to enjoy raw: fresh, colorful salads, nuts, seeds, juices, sprouted beans and even raw chocolate (cacao beans). If you enjoy cooking, experiment with different recipes such as raw apple pie or raw lasagna. You'll feel lighter and more energized, and your scale will thank you for it come January. If the idea doesn't appeal to you, instead start each day with a delicious fresh-pressed vegetable cocktail.

4. Keep moving

Too much to do, so little time. Something has to give, and it's usually exercise. While your routine may be disrupted, sneak in a few minutes of exercise every day. Whether it's sit-ups before bed, squats while blow-drying your hair, or picking up the pace while walking through the shopping mall, a few minutes of movement several times a day will result in less time in the gym after the holidays. When you do make it to the gym, maximize your time with interval training -- alternating intense bursts of activity with slower activity.

5. Take probiotics

A daily probiotic supplement, as well as eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir, will help to combat the effects of overindulging in sugar, breads and other carbs. Keep a container of organic plain and flavored yogurt handy for a healthy snack between meals. If you're hankering for a snack before bedtime, half a cup of plain yogurt will satiate your appetite and help you to sleep soundly.

6. Don't eat out

Typical holiday fare served at social gatherings and family dinners provides fewer nutrients and more calories and fat than homemade meals. During the holidays, when you aren't socializing with family or friends, eat all of your meals at home. Make your meals from scratch to save money and calories.

7. Focus on fiber

Beans, lentils, greens and vegetables are a yummy, low-cal way to fill your belly (which, like Santa, might be shaking like a bowl full of jelly by January if you aren't careful!) and promote healthy bowels.

8. Cut back

During this time of excess, save the bread, potatoes, crackers, alcohol and all sweets for the holiday parties. Avoid eating them at home or work.

9. Designate a "no spending" day

One day each week or every other week, make it a goal to avoid spending any money, or to spend as little as possible. Bring your lunch to work, make your own coffee, and take the bus to avoid costly parking fees. Bring a credit card and some small change in case of emergency, but do your best not to use them.

10. Drink water, not calories

Avoid calorie-laden eggnog, alcohol and juice, and drink even more water than usual during the holidays. Water will help to control your appetite as well as hydrate your skin in the harsher weather. A fresh-pressed vegetable juice with some fruit mixed in is a healthy exception.

11. Take five to meditate

A few minutes of quiet each day helps to clear your head, de-stress, and to focus on the festive spirit of the holidays -- a welcome relief from worrying about money, family events and gifts.

12. Be grateful

The holidays are stressful, but they're also a time for sharing, giving and spending time with friends and family. Take a moment before each meal and before drifting off to sleep to give thanks for all your blessings.

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Health - 12 Steps to Healthy Holidays