In our Christmas themed Health Show we offer some tips on how to survive and thrive over the Christmas season. Practical and easy advice, while not coming across as the killjoy by those around you!! And download our Healthy Christmas Gift Guide below.

Weight gain?

Some studies claim it’s a mere 1lb while others say it’s as much as 5lb. But one thing’s for sure: the scales are more likely to go up than down. “We take in about 500 extra calories a day over Christmas,” says dietician Helen Bond. “And when you think a mince pie has about 230 calories and a small chocolate about 50 it’s easy to see how the nibbles tot up.”

Don’t know about you, but I’d say I eat way more than 500 extra calories.  But I no longer buy into the myth that calories matter – they do of course to a certain extent, but in the context of health, it’s the type of calories and the effect they have on your insulin levels.  So having 800 calories only consisting of sugar/carbohydrates will stop you from losing weight long term. Whereas 1300 calories made up of a balanced diet, of protein, low carb, and good fats, means you can enjoy foods without getting hungry, feeling deprived and even lose weight.  See Episode #14 of The Health Show for more info

Listen in to our Health Show where Siobhan will offer expert tips and strategies to help you thrive this Christmas, enjoy the season to the full and stay healthy from a whole person perspective.

First two minutes are audio only! Sorry about that!

Distractions and remained focussed

Intentionally removing distractions during Christmas is a great way to have more family fun and be more focused and present during the festivities. No email, no Facebook, no TV, (for some of the day) means you won’t miss the deliciousness of the foods on your plate and conversations around you. The people we love deserve our full attention and you’ll feel more fulfilled simply by being present!

At the end of the day there’s no point in worrying about elements of your life that you have no control over. For example, you can try your best to make a healthy choice when out to dinner but the meal that someone has gone to the trouble to make should be enjoyed. When it comes to Christmas stress remember it’s just one day and it’s about the memories you create.

When it comes to festive food getting the balance right is key.  You can pick healthier portions that will fill you up – turkey is high in protein; fill your plate with gorgeous vegetables, eating nine Brussels sprouts provides half our daily requirement of folic acid and all our vitamin C needs! And then ask yourself you really need all those roast potatoes? Have one and enjoy it!! You can always go back for more. And then there are herbs such as oregano, thyme and rosemary that have a high antioxidant content.  Simply by being mindful of what you eat, enjoying every mouthful, eating slowly and savouring all the nourishing food, will leave you feeling full and satiated.

We all know when we eat crap we feel crap, so fill up on proper food and there will be no room for too much junk!  You might surprise yourself at what’s possible.

And then some of the regular things we will be eating are GOOD for us – remember, when drinking red wine enjoy all the healthy antioxidants, dark chocolate contains magnesium (a feel good mineral), choose nuts instead of crisps or sweets to snack on (they don’t raise your blood sugar/insulin as much), and finally chew your food well as this will aid digestion.

And enjoy your family, breathe more, don’t take things personally, and relax more.  It IS only a day, and think about all you can be grateful for, rather than focussing on what annoys you!

Here are some more preparation tips from students  – which I didn’t have time to share:

1. Plug in the extra camping fridge to keep stuff cool. Have extra AA and Triple AAA batteries and a small Phillips screwdriver handy. Buy in a few extra gifts in case anyone catches you unawares. Have loads of fresh carrots n celery n cucumber n tomatoes n Chillies n basil n coriander and natural yogurt so you can whip together a few dips in a hurry.  Have the fire ready to light and a few treats that you don’t like ready to share. Haha… that way you won’t feel tempted.   Thanks Ria

2. My tips- get as much sleep rest as you can – try to get fresh air / walks some outdoor activities in – light into the pineal gland- try not to eat too much rubbish (which is difficult with crimbo parties etc) – plan to do mini detox in the new year – rub relevant NL points liver gall bladder prob – get in some rebounding if you can – and enjoy friends and family !!!! Thanks Debra
3. Staying present is a present. We can get ahead of ourselves and so stressed out we end up missing the day and wrecked. “Breath” and be mindful rushing about won’t get it done faster. We aren’t all used to so much alcohol and rich food so drinking lots of water prevents getting blocked up and will cleanse the body. A good digestive enzyme for the foods that get at the gut just in case and at least 6-7 hours sleep at night.    Thanks Aoife.

To get our FREE Healthy Christmas Gift Guide click the image

https://www.kinesiologyzone.com/kinesiology-gift-guide-2017/

We hope you enjoyed our Health Shows this year.
We look forward to seeing you on our next one in January 2018.