Stick to Your Wellness Routine This Holiday Season

HEALTHY PARTY SNACKING MADE SIMPLE
1. The holiday season can mean lots of big, three-course meals. If you’re having a starter choose a salad, but be wary of soups, which are often packed with butter and cream!

2. Eat slowly and chew your food properly. This way, you’ll feel fuller faster and consume fewer calories as a consequence – it’s also better for your digestion.

3. If dinner is being served buffet style, fill a small plate and allow yourself a specific number of refills. Decide how many refills you are allowed before you start eating.

STAY IN SHAPE AT THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR
1. If you’re particularly busy, make some small tweaks to your daily routine: take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park your car (or get off the bus) earlier than normal and walk part of the way.

2.  Instead of going for a coffee with a friend go for a walk, that way you can squeeze in exercise whilst being social.

3. Exercise whilst you do other things: squat while you brush your teeth or do leg lifts whilst you speak on the phone.

LOOK (AND FEEL) FRESH DESPITE A PACKED DIARY
1. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. If white wine’s on the menu, dilute it with sparkling water for a healthier alternative, this is called a “spritz”.

2. If you can’t avoid late nights, try to get some power naps in – a 20-minute sleep will energise you.

3. Avoid sleeping in during the weekend, as this will confuse your sleeping pattern further making you more tired.

AVOID STRESS WHEN IT’S A STRESSFUL TIME OF YEAR
1. Take some “you time” and try to prioritise healthy activities like the gym, healthy meal preparation and a good night’s sleep.

2. Presents and socialising seem important at this time of the year, but remember that the best gift you can give your loved ones is a healthy and happy you.

3. Keep a gratitude diary. The holidays are about being thankful, so write down the things that you’re grateful for. This kind of positive behavior will help you put your stress into perspective.

 

START THE DAY RIGHT

1. Prepare a bowl of natural yoghurt and fresh fruit, topped up with a scoop of Natural Balance Shake and some muesli – it will only take a minute and it’s a perfect low-calorie and nutritionally dense breakfast.

2. Get your blood flowing by stretching first thing. Raise your arms and lace your fingers together high above your head to wake up your body.

3. Avoid getting run down and start the day with Omega-3 supplements, an astaxanthin capsule and a multi-vitamin to promote heart, brain, skin and muscular health.