Happy Holiday’s

1.   Keep up you renewal routines.

Take the time to nourish yourself with exercise, whether it is walking, running, yoga, meditation, biking etc? It is as important if not more important during the busy holiday season. Exercise provides fresh oxygen, blood and nutrients to all the joints, organs and the brain. It also stabilizes blood sugar and is a big stress reliever. Time strapped do the 7 minute workout.

2.  Make breakfast high energy

Make a high Protein shake or smoothie. It must have clean high quality protein powder, good fat, (flax seed oil, nuts and seeds) leafy greens and a small amount of fruit.

3.  Cut the Carbs on Turkey Day.

Stuff your turkey with celery, onions, herbs and spices instead of the high fat high carb loaded version. Switch high carb pumpkin pie for pumpkin soup with a dollop of yogurt and skip the bread roll.

4.  Make new Traditions

Most holiday dinners are upwards of 2500/3000 calories and that does not include alcohol or eggnog. Old Traditions have made us fat and put a huge load on the digestive system and the heart. It is time for new healthier traditions.

5.  Give the Gift of Love

One of the best gifts one can give a loved one is the gift of positive and loving behavior and words.  If you see all the wonderful things in your spouse, kids family members, friends etc. just imagine how great that would be and it is guaranteed to improve your relationships. The photo is my best friend Graeme and his family in 2012.

6.   Use a minimalistic approach to Decorations and the Table.

We do not need more stuff and we all have tons of Holiday décor and the thing is that most of your guests don’t notice as much as we think they do. What they notice is the energy and feeling of your home. So skip the extra running around and stress and light candles.

7. Do a Digital Detox

Make a pact with your friends and family to put phones and iPads etc. away during dinners and outings. Spend some quality time together really listening and engaging with each other.

8. Connect with Community and Give Back

Giving to others during the holidays helps us help others and in turn helps us. We like to do a turkey trot and move our feet before we eat. It is something that whole family can do that is fun and good for you. The proceeds go to charities. We also collect bears for the local children’s hospital. Pick a couple of community events that match you giving philosophy.

9.  Go Grain Free, Gluten Free and Zero Refined Sugar

If you need tasty ideas go to www.hemsleyandhemsley.com. These two sisters also have a great cookbook called The Art of Eating Well. Perhaps a good holiday gift for someone you know.

10. Listen to your Body

Are you aware of your stress levels? How often do you pretend to be fine? Pay attention to the clues your body gives and nurture yourself.

11. Keep your Immune system strong

Sugar and stress depresses you immune system leading to colds, flu, coughs, allergies and stuffy nose. Load up on antioxidants and decrease your sugar intake.

12. Preserve Sleep

The body rests and repairs during quality sleep. It makes no rational sense to pull an all-nighter just to get a couple of dollars off on Black Friday. A better idea is to go to bed at 10pm and get up at 5am if you have to have those door busters. Aim for at least 7 hours

13. Choose a different response

How you respond to stress is what matters. Step out of the situation and view it from the outside. Take a few breaths before you respond or don’t react at all.

14. Eat your Veggies

This is a great time to enjoy all those fabulous root vegetables. They are high in fiber and loaded with nutrients. Chew them well.

15. Drink your Veggies

If you don’t get your adequate servings of veggies per day, drink them. Enjoy a green drink.

16. Hydrate

Aim to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day. Not only will your digestive system thank you but your skin will too. If you are flying during the holiday season drink more… I know it is a hassle to go to the bathroom when you fly, however the benefits outweigh the discomfort of dehydration.

17. Take it Easy on the High Calorie Beverages

Alcohol, Eggnog and a Pumpkin Spice Latte count as non-nutrient dense calories. We have a mind set that what we drink does not count as part of our consumption however it has a huge impact on weight gain, sleep quality and depresses the immune system.

18. Beware of the Buffett

Be consciously selective when it comes to the buffet table. If you know that the choices available will not be healthy then try to eat good for you food before go to your event.
Bonus Tips

19. Stress can be good for us

Our bodies are designed to handle stress in appropriate amounts. Some stress can kick us into gear to get things done, provide focus, clear thinking and take action.

It is when stress is too much for too long that problems arise.

20. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Put on bright red lipstick and a sparkly top and you are good to go…. When you look good you feel good. When you feel good you look good!