making it through the holidays

 
I was on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC last week to celebrate the Health Coach Resolution put forth by our US Congress, and I was asked to give a workshop to show just what we do to share our message with the world.

I wanted to share it with you, too.

It’s the holiday season, and while it can be challenging, there are some easy things to do and remember that will help you through. Pick your favorite or try all 5.

What do you have to lose?

1) Stay Hydrated
Colder weather can make you forget to drink water, and it will also mask the signs that you might be dehydrated. Running around in a busy holiday state makes all of us forget to stay hydrated, and 3 Starbucks a day doesn’t help.

Drinking enough water during your day will keep your energy up, your skin clear, your metabolism working, and allow you to function at top brain capacity.

I showed our members of Congress how to flavor up their water to make it interesting.. Adding berries, orange slices with cinnamon sticks, or diced mint leaves for a flavor boosting treat are some of my favorites.

So, don’t leave home without your water bottle, and try to drink up prior to 3pm, so it won’t interrupt your sleep.

2) Move
Skipping too many Barre classes? Yes, I can relate.

That’s why I’m walking everywhere I go. Parking on one side of town to shop on the other. Put on sneakers to walk 30 blocks instead of calling an Uber. Enjoy walking from one side of the mall to the other. Whatever your lifestyle, add more to your day now.
I also recommended a Fitbit, or similar device, for fun. Studies show that these wearable devices, or apps for your phone can be beneficial, especially for the first 2 months. And I say, what a great thing to do, even if for just a couple of months. Ask for one on your gift list, or treat yourself today.

Make it a healthier winter!


3) Eat before you go
Don’t head out the door to a big Christmas party without doing this. Have a small salad, or nuts, or something that contains protein and fiber before you go. Otherwise you can fall victim to what someone else wants you to eat, and not make the best choice for you.

I was at a holiday party just the other night, and luckily I ate a protein bar first, but my friend did not. She was counting on enjoying some lovely holiday fare. The hostess instead served only cheese and crackers and some light passed appetizers, and sadly she indulged in foods that she would have rather not.

Good choices to indulge in first might be Mary’s Gone Crackers with hummus, or a small salad with chicken, or an apple with nut butter.

4) Be prepared with snacks
I never leave home without some of my favorite bars in my tote bag (you can view those here) or snack bags with nuts. I often find myself on the Acela to NYC, driving my car, or shopping, and need to bring up my blood sugar, fast.

Keep your favorites in your handbag, desk drawer, or glove compartment. But keep them on hand.

5) Drink healthy
It’s often not the foods we reach for, but the drinks we imbibe. Too much alcohol is a sign of the times this season, but avoiding rich egg nogs or hot cocoa’s might help too. My healthy egg nog that can double as a breakfast treat is here.

Lighten up your wines with some sparkling water, or avoid the yeast and sugar of wine, and add gluten free vodka to your green juice. This green-tini is my favorite.

Here’s a quick recipe for vegan, low glycemic hot cocoa, too!

Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened nut milk or coconut milk of choice (home made is best)
1 teaspoon raw, organic cacao
2 teaspoon coconut sugar (this is also sold under the name palm sugar)

What are YOUR best strategies for holiday survival?

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