The festive season is here once again and I have to say it is my favourite time of the year. I just love Christmas. it is a time to really enjoy spending time with family and friends, and everyone seems to be in a happy mood. Along with all the happiness also comes party season. For the majority of people December will be about one Christmas party after another. This does not mean that one has to get completely drunk or eat everything in sight. You can still enjoy yourself by being sensible. Here below are a few tips to help you to stay healthy over the festive season.
Alcohol
Have you noticed how alcohol constantly comes up in my posts?! I think you know by now it is not good for you. Everyone knows how destructive alcohol can be for the liver but it still does not stop people from over drinking. I consider myself blessed I hate the taste of alcohol. I would suggest that for every glass of alcohol you drink a glass of water. Alcohol dehydrates the body so it is very important to stay hydrated. Also remember the more you drink the more likely you are to be piling on the pounds. Cocktails and wine are very high in calories so go for a vodka with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a little sparkling water instead. This does not mean downing one vodka lemon juice after the other. It is still alcohol.
One mistake most people do is to drink on an empty stomach. Please make sure you have eaten before drinking. By drinking with a full stomach you slow the absorption of alcohol.
If you are going out to a party where you know you will be drinking take 20 drops of milk thistle in a small amount of water before you go out, then again when you get back with some magnesium and another 20 drops the following morning. Milk thistle is the best remedy at cleansing and detoxifying the liver, rebuilding cells that have been damaged. Use Milk Thistle Complex drops by A. Vogel.
Stay well hydrated. Make sure to drink good quality filtered water. Aim for 2 litres a day.
Exercise
Christmas time is when most people tend to put on weight so it is important to stay active as much as possible. Be realistic, Christmas is not the time of the year to be losing weight but this does not mean you have to pile on the pounds. Try to stay at the same weight. So increase your cardio. Cardio helps burn fat so join a gym and get running! The more you sweat the more calories you burn!
Detox
If you know you are going to a party have a detox day the next day. Start the day with warm water and lemon followed by a green smoothie full of antioxidants that combat free radicals like alcohol and rich foods. Make sure to include super foods like wheat grass in your smoothie. As you are detoxing do not drink any caffeine which means no coffee or tea. During your detox day you should only be drinking water and herbal teas and be eating extra light. Have only steamed vegetables and salads for lunch and dinner. No animal protein, no sweets, no alcohol. You want to give your body a rest to recover from the previous day.
Be sensible
Do not got to a party starving and start attacking every food in sight. Have a small bite before hand like an avocado salad. Avocados are very filling. You could also have a protein shake. Remember to be sensible, if you fancy some cake have a slice not the whole cake. Try to look for healthy options. A party should not be an excuse to drink and eat non stop so be sensible.
Increase antioxidants
You need antioxidants to prevent cell damage from free radicals so make sure you start the day in a super healthy and energising way. It is important to stay healthy all the time but especially during the festive season when we are more likely to over indulge. Always start the day with a warm water and lemon followed by porridge and a green smoothie. Include wheat grass, chlorella, spirulina, chia seeds, baobab powder, maca powder in your cereals, porridge and green smoothies.
Go for the rainbow diet where you are eating a lot of different coloured fruit and vegetables that are very good for you. Drink plenty of good quality water. It is important to look after your liver during party season so include liver supporting foods like: brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, kale, leeks, dandelion greens, rocket, caraway seeds, turmeric, quinoa, dill, artichoke, onion, garlic, cauliflower.
The key is always balance. Enjoy Christmas and do not feel guilty if you have a few treats. Just be sensible.