7 tips for a healthy holiday season

1. Prevention rather than cure
2. Ensure proper digestion
3. Eat fruits and vegetables
4. Avoid excess alcohol
5. Making homemade desserts
6. Sleep and relaxation
7. Spending time outdoors

The holiday season is a busy time when eating and feasting opportunities overlap. Between lingering get-togethers and hearty feasts, good habits can easily slip through the cracks. Here are a few tips natural for a healthy holiday season.

1. Prevention rather than cure

Social gatherings, lack of sleep and overconsumption of sugar are all factors that encourage the spread of viruses. To avoid getting sick, prepare in advance and fortify your immune system by taking a supplement of vitamin C. Antiviral, vitamin C boosts the immune system and reduces the risk of catching a cold by 50%.

Probioticsare the foundation of the immune system. Between now and the holidays, supplement your diet with a good-quality probiotic. This will minimize the risk of succumbing to viruses.

2. Ensure good digestion

The festive season brings with it plenty of food. Generous portions, fatty foods and small excesses can leave you feeling heavy and tired. To avoid these discomforts as well as digestive problems, keep digestive enzyme tablets on hand. Taken a few minutes before a meal, enzyme supplements improve food digestion. 

3. Eat fruits and vegetables

Despite the festive atmosphere, don't overlook the importance of fruit and vegetables. At gatherings, remember to contribute a salad, a raw vegetable dish or a vegetable side dish. During the vacations, avoid fast-food chains by planning healthy meals in advance. If you're on the road or eating at irregular hours, keep a fruit and/or vegetable smoothie on hand.  

4. Avoid excess alcohol

Don't miss out on a healthy intake of water - 8 glasses a day. If you do drink alcohol, do so early in the evening and with food. To minimize the impact of alcohol, follow these simple tips:

• Serve hard liquor with a generous amount of ice cubes, or dilute it in carbonated water;
• Pour wine into a small cup with a glass of water;
• Prioritize weak beers over strong ones;
• Replace a high-alcohol digestif with a lower-alcohol cider;
• Keep water, carbonated water or diluted juice on hand;
• End the evening with coffee, tea or herbal tea.

In case of overindulgence, keep a bottle of activated charcoal. A few capsules taken over the course of the evening will help eliminate the alcohol.

5. Make your own desserts  

Store-bought desserts contain a phenomenal amount of sugar and are often the source of food additives and numerous allergens. These ingredients have a negative impact on health and digestion, as well as considerably weakening the immune system. By making homemade desserts, you can control the quantity and quality of added sugar. Choose one or two desserts to make yourself and try to reduce the amount of sugar. As a general rule, sugar can be cut by a third without affecting the final taste.

Check out our article on sugar and discover ideas for healthy sweeteners and replacements.

6. Sleep and relaxation

With so many opportunities to store, socialize and celebrate, it's easy to miss out on rest. But a few moments of relaxation will help you enjoy the holidays without overexerting yourself. Plan a morning of grace, a pajama day or an afternoon at the spa to replenish your reserves. Between New Year's Eve celebrations, try to maintain good sleep hygiene by having a reasonable curfew 2 or 3 nights a week.

7. Spend time outdoors

Even if there are plenty of opportunities to get together in the living room or dining room, dare to suggest an outdoor walk or a day of hiking. Fresh air improves health, boosts immunity and contributes to a good mood and restful sleep. It's also a wonderful opportunity for children to release the tension accumulated by their hectic schedules. If time is a constraint, a simple walk in the morning or between two meetings will reduce stress levels by offering a moment of rejuvenation.

Happy Holidays!

About the author

Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains

Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath