Healthy Holiday Tips

 

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS

Christmas is only just over a week away and the silly season is in full swing! Many people use this time as an excuse to splurge on unhealthy food and habits and are left with a "holiday hang over" after New Years. It doesn't have to be this way.. it is possible to indulge and enjoy this time without losing control and feeling guilty. I'm going to list a few tips and keep it simple.. staying healthy during the holidays should be enjoyful and shouldn't feel like a chore.

• Start your day off healthy. Most holiday festivities and get togethers take place in the evening. Take advantage of breakfast and lunch to prepare yourself healthful meals.
• Have a healthy snack before you go out. This will prevent you from feeling hungry when you get there and going over board on the all the treats set out.
• Try to find "healthier" snack options at parties.. ie; fresh fruit and veggies, cheese, whole grain crackers, olives, pickled veggies, etc..
• Don't deprive yourself. Enjoy your favorite treats in moderation and mindfully savor and enjoy them.
• When drinking alcoholic beverages try to chose wine, beer, or spirits mixed with juice or water with fresh citrus. Try to avoid sugary drinks that are usually loaded with sugar and artificial colours and flavours.
• Drink water. Don't forget to stay hydrated!
• Don't forget to sleep either! There may be many late nights, so take advantage of the uneventful ones and aim for 8 hours of sleep.
• If you do go over board and find yourself feeling guilty about your unhealthy choices that day, don't beat yourself up, just recommit to your health right away and move on.
• Take 5... or 10, minutes to yourself. The holidays are fun, but can be overwhelming. Take a few minutes to yourself to just breathe... meditate, listen to music, do some yoga poses, read an article, have a bath.. whatever helps you relax for a few minutes. Try not to involve technology during this time too.
• Don't forget what the holidays are actually about- it's not food. Enjoy the company of your friends and family.

How to make your own Almond Milk

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ALMOND MILK

Almond milk is plentiful on the shelves of grocery stores these days, but have you seen the ingredients? Most have added controversial preservatives and emulsifying ingredients that may irritate your digestive tract. Also, it tastes way better made from scratch.. and it's kind of fun!

Ingredients;

• 1 cup almonds, soaked over night
• 4 cups (filtered) water
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of Himalayan or sea salt
• pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp. maple syrup (optional)

Method;

• Drain and rinse the soaked almonds
• Add all ingredients in to a blender and blend for 2 minutes, until almond are very well ground.
• Strain the ingredients from the blender through a nut bag or cheesecloth (a reusable produce bag also works great!).
• Keep the almond milk refrigerated. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Shake well to mix before each use and use just as you would any other milk.