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Strategies for a Healthy Holiday
By Catherine Skepetaris
Holidays are a time of warm feelings and joy as well as a time of stress and an
extra load of responsibilities. It is usually the lady of the house that coordinates all of the holiday activities in the home and many times does the bulk of the work. If this describes you, then the following tips may help increase the pleasure of your holiday season.
As the family holiday maker you have to take care of yourself first before others. In a season of giving this may seem selfish, but let me explain… In order for you to meet the physical demands of extra cooking,
cleaning, shopping and general merry making you must prioritize your health. Here are some quick and simple ways that will help boost your energy, stamina and strengthen your immune system.
Maintain a stable blood sugar level throughout the day by starting with a nutritious breakfast including fiber and low fat protein. Whole grain foods move slower through the digestive tract helping to stabilize your appetite plus absorb and move along toxins for elimination. Protein will keep you satisfied during your busy day. If you are not a breakfast eater, try a nutritious soy protein shake blended with your favorite fruit or low fat chocolate powder or instant coffee. Soy is a high quality protein available in a variety of forms including a powder form for easy blending into your favorite juices, milk or foods. Be careful not to skip meals! Eat three meals a day and 1 – 2 snacks depending on your activity level. Don’t allow more than 3 – 4 hours to pass without eating something good for you.
Prepare and stock the kitchen with healthy and quick foods to keep you nourished. Bag up cut vegetables, your choice, snack on them raw or sauté them in olive oil, chopped garlic, and red pepper flakes. Refrigerate and use as a quick side dish or a micro-waved snack. Make a hearty soup and portion into quick mini meals for the week. Make extra oatmeal for breakfast and save the remainder for a warm snack later in the day. If you are out of the house, keep almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dried fruit or protein bars bagged in your purse. Be aware that cereal bars
contain a lot of sugar making you hungrier in an hour and creating a rollercoaster ride for your blood sugar level. Look for protein bars that have at least 9 grams of protein, preferably soy, which will curb hunger, provide needed vitamins and minerals and maintain a level blood sugar.
Boost your immune system to avoid a cold or flu during your busy schedule. Honey bee products like propolis, bee pollen (some people are allergic to pollen so try small amounts first) and bee royal jelly are natural sources of essential vitamins, enzymes and minerals and are an excellent way to support the body’s natural
defenses. Look for a company that has a patented stabilization process for their bee products so that you get the full benefits of these delicate nutrients. Another natural addition to your diet is Echinacea, a widely used Western herb shown to enhance immune function. Other general guidelines are daily adequate sleep, limiting simple sugar consumption and plenty of fluids preferably from diluted vegetable juices, soups and herb teas.
It is well known that elevated, constant levels of stress decrease immune function, increase weight problems (up or down), and accelerate disease.
Plan for nourishment, regular exercise (walk at least 30 minutes a day even if you have to break it up) and balance your activities. If you are watching your weight, do not deny yourself the pleasures of the holidays, eat foods that bring you joy in moderate amounts. One important tip, don’t avoid eating all day waiting for the big holiday meal. Calories eaten throughout the day are more efficiently burned while a single load of calories taxes the digestive system. Have a good quality aloe vera juice in the fridge to calm irritable tummies just in case you over do it!
Last but not least, if you pray, spend a little more time with this centering activity. The meditative qualities of prayer do wonders for our health, mood and spirit!
Catherine Skepetaris 210-766-9082
Personal Wellness Coach
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