Holiday Health Tips
Holiday season is here!
Hot take: I love and hate this time of year.
Love: The cheeriness, being around family, time off from work, and spending hours in the kitchen cooking, baking, and hosting.
Hate: The colder weather, lack of sunlight, and the stress that travel, heavier meals, and disrupted routines put on our bodies.
So every year, to tip the scale toward “love,” I lean on my self-care toolbox. I know I’ll feel a little more stressed, restless, and sluggish, but by prioritizing small, intentional habits, I can stay present and feel my best while celebrating with family and friends.
Below, I’ve rounded up my go-to tips to support digestion, balance blood sugar, manage stress, and care for your liver during the holidays. These practices help me navigate the season with energy and joy, and I hope they do the same for you!
Digestive Support for Festive Feasts
The holidays are full of indulgent meals that can challenge your digestion. Here’s how to help your gut feel its best:
1. Start your morning with warm lemon water: Kickstart your digestive system and flush out toxins.
2. Pre-meal helpers: Try digestive enzymes, apple cider vinegar, or bitters like Glucobitters (linked here, one of my all time top fav products!).
3. Incorporate bitter foods: Foods like arugula, kale, green tea, grapefruit, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries stimulate digestion. (Sweetened cranberry sauce doesn’t count!)
4. Post-meal walks: A quick stroll aids digestion and reduces bloating.
5. Mindfulness while eating: Engage your “rest-and-digest” mode with yoga, breathwork, or mindful chewing.
6. End your day with tea: Ginger, peppermint, or dandelion tea can soothe your digestive system.
Balance Blood Sugar During Holiday Feasts
Enjoy holiday treats without the rollercoaster of energy crashes:
1. Apple cider vinegar or bitters before meals: These can blunt glucose spikes from carb-heavy meals.
2. Walk after meals: Just 10 minutes can help regulate blood sugar.
3. Regular exercise: Whether it’s weightlifting (the best exercise for blood sugar support), pickleball, or a brisk walk, movement supports glucose regulation.
4. Cold therapy: A quick cold shower or plunge can improve insulin sensitivity.
5. Manage stress: Elevated stress raises blood sugar—breathe, journal, or practice yoga to keep it steady.
Stress Management for the Season
Holiday joy often comes with stress. Keep your nervous system grounded with these tips:
1. Pair coffee with breakfast: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach spikes cortisol and stress hormones. ☕
2. Screen-free mornings and evenings: Give your brain a break by avoiding screens for 15 minutes after waking and before bed.
3. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night. 💤
4. Take intentional breaks: Step away from your phone, pet a dog, or take a mindful walk.
5. Morning sunlight: Exposure to natural light boosts mood and regulates your circadian rhythm.
6. Journal your worries: Writing helps clear mental clutter and provides clarity.
Support Your Liver Through Festivities
If you’re enjoying holiday cocktails, show your liver some love:
1. Stay hydrated: Add electrolytes like @Ultima or @LMNT to water for optimal hydration.
2. Take NAC (N-Acetylcysteine): Linked here, this antioxidant protects your liver from alcohol stress.
3. Eat fiber & cruciferous veggies: Foods like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts enhance liver detox.
4. Boost B vitamins: Leafy greens, eggs, and sunflower seeds protect your liver and support detox pathways.
5. Fast overnight for 12+ hours: This gives your gut and liver time to reset.
The holidays are a time to celebrate, not stress. With these simple tips in your self-care toolbox, you can stay energized, balanced, and present to make the most of this festive season.
What are your favorite ways to stay healthy during the holidays? Share them below—I’d love to hear!
