H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
7 HOLIDAY HEALTHY HABITS BY ELISSA MIRSKY
T
he holiday season can be incredibly challenging for those working to maintain a healthy lifestyle and those wanting to avoid excessive weight gain. From work parties and dinners to family gatherings, is it even possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle? The short answer: Yes! With seven helpful tips, you’ll be a master at mindful eating during the holiday season. Not only will you feel good, but you’ll also want to be more mindful about your eating year-round.
1. EAT BREAKFAST Load up on fruit for breakfast. If you don’t want to eat just fruit, have a chia pudding or oatmeal with a side of fruit. Just make sure you do not skip breakfast. By having a satisfying meal, you will avoid overeating.
2. DRINK WATER Drink water before your meals. Water is an appetite suppressant, so drinking it will make you feel fuller, helping you to avoid eating as much.
3. BYOF (BRING YOUR OWN FOOD) Being able to bring your own food will allow you to create healthy food alternatives that will keep you on track. It is very possible to have delicious healthy recipes during the holidays. This also allows you to expose others to your lifestyle.
7. CLEANSE YOUR BODY The day after indulging, be sure to have your lemon or lime water to flush your body, as well as fruit to further detoxify. Load up on your greens, grains, beans, and lots of water. Smoothies and juice are also great options to cleanse as well. Here are a few cleansing recipes to try during and after your holiday indulgence.
4. EAT SLOWLY
G.L.O. Juice
Eating slowly will help you digest food better, as well as help you avoid overeating. When you eat too fast your body will not realize it’s full. As a result, you overeat which causes weight gain. Be sure to take the time to chew your food, eat at the table, distraction-free from the television and your phone, and engage in conversation allowing you to put the fork down more often.
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5. AVOID EATING EVERYTHING We tend to want to try everything. Be mindful of what you are eating. Pick and choose your palate. more healthy options. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to eat it.
6. REMEMBER YOUR WHY Remember why you embarked on a healthy lifestyle in the first place. The holidays are just a season, then it’s back to real life. Remember it takes longer to lose the weight than it does to gain it. You can easily gain five or more pounds in a week. Be mindful of the extra work you’ll be putting in after the holidays. 28 ONYX MAGAZINE
Granny Smith Apple Kale Celery Ginger
Celery Smoothie • • • •
½ Granny Smith apple ½ chopped celery ½ to 1 cup of water Small dash of Cayenne Pepper
Colon Flush • 2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt • 1 cup of water (warm) • Freshly squeezed lemon How will you be mindful during the holiday season? Elissa Mirsky is a published author and former magazine editor.
