By Victoria Joanna  BBA, CNP, RNCP http://www.victoriajoanna.com/

The holidays are no doubt one of the hardest times during the year to take care of our health.  Whether weight loss or maintenance is your goal, the parties, shortbread cookies, last minute shopping and big family feasts bombard us with temptation and stress.  It’s not an ideal time for a healthy body and mind.

All the more reason to be conscious of our choices during this time.  We are getting less sleep and consuming more alcohol and more sugar.  While this can be a recipe for exhaustion and weight gain, it is possible to stay on track.  Whether you are already fit or thinking about starting a health program in the New Year, don’t let this next month set you back by “giving up” until the New Year starts.  Living a healthy lifestyle is a process, not all or nothing.  So don’t wait until January to begin taking care of yourself.

Here are some strategies to get you through the holidays and end the year feeling great!

1.    Don’t neglect your sleep.  I’m going to be realistic here.  Ideally you are aiming for 7 hours a night – but at the minimum go for 6 hours at least 4-5 days a week.

2.   Increase your liquids.  You will undoubtedly drink more alcohol during these next few weeks, so all I ask is that you drink more water too.  Alcohol doesn’t only add extra calories, it impacts your liver function, which impedes fat metabolism and drains your energy.   Add an extra glass of water for every drink you consume and remember moderation, pace yourself with 1-2 drinks per evening. 

3.   Eat healthy snacks throughout the day.   This is important.  Don’t save your calories for the party.  This will lead you to consume even more calories over the holiday period.  You can’t avoid all of the rich holidays meals or party treats in the evenings, but you can control what you eat in the hours leading up to the event.  Eating healthy meals and snacks every 3-4 hours will increase energy and manage cravings.  This way you arrive at the party able to make conscious choices and practice portion control, rather than arrive starving and ready to eat everything in sight.

4.   Don’t deprive yourself.  The holidays are a special time so allow yourself to enjoy family meals and celebrate with friends.   If you try to avoid everything you will make yourself crazy and set yourself up for an all or nothing approach.   Decide up front that you will have some dessert and therefore by mindful your entrees and appetizers.  Then enjoy dessert in moderation – have a small piece of cake or 1-2 cookies rather than 5 or 10. 

5.   Take a time-out.  This can be a very busy stressful time and so it’s important to take small moments for yourself to recharge your batteries and maintain your sanity.  It doesn’t have to be a spa day, maybe a 30-minute manicure during lunch, reading your favorite magazines at Chapters or schedule one yoga class a week.   The key is to find some quiet time each week where you can be alone, reconnect and re-energize.

Set the intention this year to make the holidays a nourishing experience.  Focus on connections and relationships rather than presents and food.  At the end of the day, these are the things that truly nourish our life and our spirit.