This time of year can be stressful with all the hustle and bustle. The delectable cookies, treats and sugary drinks as good as they taste can leave long lasting impressions in more ways than one. Follow these few tips to stay on top of your health during this holiday season.
1. Get your vitamin C. Clementines and oranges are delicious and can provide you some much needed vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that quenches oxidative stress that is produced from things like food overload and high levels of anxiety. Even if you do eat a clementine or orange you may need more vitamin C to fend off the effects of stress.Taking an extra vitamin C; 500-1000g should do the trick.
2. Minimize your sugar intake. Sugar in moderation is okay, but too much sugar can cause havoc with our immune system and overall health, as well as cause us to overeat. So pick your battles. If you plan on indulging on cookies and other treats, avoid eating other processed foods (crackers, breads, bagels) and instead fill-up on vegetables and hummus or grab of handful of almonds or walnuts.
3. Add a little sunshine. With the shorten daylight (and the cold) we don’t get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for our immune system, bone health, moods, and even weight control. Take 2000-4000 IU of vitamin D per day. Make sure to buy it from a reputable company, like Pure Encapsulations, Thorne, and Designs for Health.
4. Stay hydrated. On good days most of us our 2% dehydrated, so drink plenty of water to fend off winter woes. Water not only keeps us hydrated, it helps keep things moving about and out, combats fatigue, and calms rough skin.
5. Get plenty of sleep. It’s hard to rack up 7 hours of sleep when our minds are spinning from too much to do and from subpar eating habits. To ensure a good night sleep, eat a little protein (a handful of nuts), put away your devices, dab a little lavender essential oil on your pillow and read a good ole’ fashion book. That should put you to sleep in no time.
6. Breathe. To make it through this time of year make sure to breathe. If you don’t have time for meditation or yoga, just take a few minutes in the morning and night to take a few breaths to calm your mind. Find a quiet place, take a few breaths and appreciate the few moments to yourself.
To learn more about how nutrition can have a positive impact on your health, contact us.