The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it often also comes with increased illness and stress. It becomes easy to let your health take a backseat with all the busy schedules and holiday festivities. We've gathered some tips below to help you prioritize your health and stay on track through the winter season.
Get consistent, restful sleep
Sleep is more important than most of us realize. Restorative rest allows the body to repair itself, helps boost your immune system, and can lower your risk for serious health problems including - diabetes and heart disease - while also reducing stress and improving your mood. Start out with the following tips to start getting better sleep!
- Go screen-free an hour before bed
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
- Schedule some unwind time -- read a book, meditate, take a warm bath
Make health-conscious eating decisions
Try to balance your plate, limit processed foods, and practice portion control. Focus on incorporating whole foods into your diet by choosing fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats and oils (coconut or avocado) on your next grocery trip. Our Whole Foods Weight Loss Eating Plan has tons of good tips and alternatives for healthier eating. One day of indulgence and sweets won't hurt you, so enjoy your Christmas meal and get back on track for the new year!
Stay active
It becomes hard to keep moving during such a busy season. By incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you remove harmful toxins in your body and increase sweat production, encouraging detoxification.If you can't make it into the gym, allot 15-30 minutes a day to walking. Get the whole family in on it!
Stay hydrated
Adequate water intake helps detoxify your body and regulates the body temperature process. Your daily water intake should be at least 64 oz or half your body weight in ounces (ex. body weight: 175lbs = daily water intake: 87.5 oz). If drinking enough water is difficult for you, try carrying around a reusable water bottle, adding fresh fruit to your water, and drinking water on a schedule.
Remember, small changes make a big difference! Do what you can during this busy time so you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health.
