Dear Rachel,
Christmas Eve dinner was delicious. I ate and drank a bit more than I anticipated (the spiced eggnog was loaded with a bit too much brandy, but it tasted way too good to toss it!). But, I am ok with that- after all, it was a holiday, right? And Christmas day, well, we celebrated some more! And, so now, it’s Monday and I am ready to “start over”. What can I do to get healthier before we ring in the New Year 2017? I am certain you have some healthy tips!
Yes, I do! There is no need to suffer with the morning blues! I hate to say it but overindulgence and late nights are an inevitable part of the holiday season.
1) Eat breakfast! I actually believe that everything starts with breakfast! I start the day with a generous bowl of hot oatmeal, topped with a handful of berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Oatmeal stabilizes blood sugar levels, which helps control appetite later in the day. Sometimes instead of oats I will have greek nonfat yogurt, which helps boost immunity as well as combat some of the less beneficial effects of the party season, like too much alcohol and not enough sleep. I also love my eggs. An omelette packed with veggies including mushrooms for their energising B vitamins and tomatoes for vitamin C. I don’t love onions, but if you do, they are great because they have liver-friendly sulphur compounds. If I have spinach to hand I'll add a generous handful because it's a great source of folate which helps my body repair DNA. Eggs are so great because they provide choline, a nutrient that supports the liver. And, get this, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili to boost circulation and rev up your recovery.
2) Stay hydrated! On the day of a big night out, and the day after, I make a conscious effort to drink ALOT of water, as well as plenty of herbal teas. Even mild dehydration can lead to a headache and combined with the diuretic effects of alcohol makes maintaining your fluid intake so important. Regular teas and coffee count towards your fluid intake, but caffeinated versions shouldn't make up your full quota. Also, I make sure to drink a bottle of water when I wake up, before I have my breakfast.
3) Plan your next healthy meals. Ground yourself with a healthy meal that fits right in with your life pre-holiday. Remember, skipping meals can put you back on a downward spiral. Even if you’re not hungry, simply planning your next meal is a powerful act of self-care that can remind you that food is not public enemy No. 1.
4) Plan your next visit to the gym. Get back to your normal fitness routine. You will definately feel better once you sweat it out!
5) Don’t beat yourself up. This moment of holiday indulgence is but a blip on the radar of life.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday!
Warmest and healthiest,
Rachel