10 tips that will get you through Christmas
With all its glory, terrific Christmas lights, food, social events, presents, and drinks, it's finally December.
"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future"
Agnes M. Pahro
So how can we navigate through all these lovely events and still keep a pretty healthy lifestyle, when December is filled with Christmas cookies, mince pie, candy, and all the drinks, without feeling that we are missing out and being anti-social.
Here are my 10 tips to get you through Christmas in a way, so you will still feel that Christmas bliss.
1. Keep moving! During December, you might find it challenging to manage your exercise routine with all the social events. However, I have found that aiming for 10000 steps a day is an excellent plan to keep me moving. In addition, you can track your efforts on your phone. For example, if I have not reached my steps by evening time, I walk around my dining table until I am there. Will you give it a try too?
2. Instead of meeting friends for drinks, ask them to meet you for a walk and talk. You can get your exercise done and still be social. You can even bring your own hot thermal, with lovely tea to share with your friend. Or how about bringing these delightful healthy treats: https://www.myhealthcoachlulu.com/recipes/delicious-chocolate-bites
3. When going out, you can take the car, so you have an “excuse" to stick with water for the night. It's a great way to avoid alcohol, and you will feel so much better the next day.
4. Choose before you go out for drinks. For example, will you drink all night or mentally prepare yourself to say, "no, thank you," Either way, make peace with it!
5. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will set your body and mind on the right track for the rest of the day. You can aim to start your day by fueling it with healthy greens, good fat, and protein. I promise you that the rest of your day will be more manageable when choosing the best food for your body and mind. It is essential during December because there are temptations. How about trying a lovely smoothie? Like this one: https://www.myhealthcoachlulu.com/recipes/greensmoothiewithberries
You can sprinkle it with lovely granola. Like this one:
https://www.myhealthcoachlulu.com/recipes/tahini-granola
6. Have a look at your plate before you eat. Now, look for greens that can go on that plate and fill that plate half full with greens, and then you add a handful of protein, add 2-3 potatoes or one slice bread, then one tablespoon of fat to go with the meal, and remember to chew! Please don't inhale your food. Chew and enjoy every lovely bite you get in your mouth.
7. Choose when you want to indulge. I am not saying you can’t eat cookies, Christmas food, and drinks during the whole of December, but be mindful of what your body and soul need. For example, do you need to eat 10 cookies? Or could you be satisfied with 1 or 2? It's often the first cookie that's really good. After that, it's just cravings. More about cravings here: https://www.myhealthcoachlulu.com/about
8. Your digestion starts in your mouth. Therefore you must chew your food. If you eat fast, you will not notice when you are full. Look at all the lovely food you are eating; treasure every single bite. Take a bite and chew slowly. Put down your fork and knife between every bite you take. Give it a try ;-)
9. Plan your meals for the week and bring a healthy snack in your bag. You can have water, veggie sticks, fruit, a small handful of nuts, and dark chocolate when you start feeling cravings for sugary foods. Try to drink a big glass of water first and then wait 20 minutes to see if you are hungry. Or explore if it might “just" have been a sugar craving knocking on your door.
10. At the end of the day, it's not about what you eat and drink during December! It's what you do all year round that matters. It's how you feel when you wake up in the morning and go to bed that's important.
How do you feel? Are you tired, exhausted, fatigued, bloated, problem with your digestion, mood swings, dry skin, or simply just fed up and confused with navigation in the jungle of food and beauty?
Then this might be the year 2022 that you commit to some change that can last you a lifetime. For more info on how I work with clients on improving their healthy lifestyle: https://www.myhealthcoachlulu.com/workwithme
You can follow me on social media to find more inspiration:
facebook.com/LuluBechgaardHolisticHealthCoach
instagram.com/myhealthcoachlulu
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year
Lulu Bechgaard
CIDESCO Beauty Therapist, IIN Health Coach, Holistic Aromatherapist 🍒🍒 Beauty Chef ❤️ Face Yoga Teacher
facebook.com/LuluBechgaardHolisticHealthCoach
instagram.com/myhealthcoachlulu