6 SANITY-SAVING TIPS TO SURVIVE THE FESTIVE SEASON by a qualified hungry Nutritionist.

The December holidays are all fun and games until somebody gains 4 kg, develops a new family grudge, and starts the year off bloated and annoyed... I’m not a fan of holiday rules and restrictions - obsession only draws us closer to the thing(s) we’re attempting to resist. But here are my 6 non-negotiables in an otherwise no-rules time of freedom, abundance and second servings:

1. Step away once a day.

Disengage from the festive hurricane every so often to touch base with your inner stillness for just one stolen moment a day. Above the noise and all the usual business, your body and brain can’t tell you what they need. So find a quiet place and just breathe alone for a while.

2. Remember it’s your body’s time off, too.

Your mind might want a million indulgences / distractions / adventures / parties but don’t forget your body also deserves a rest after this mad year. What can you give it? A drink-free day every other day, a massive bowl of freshly-made organic vegetable soup, more water, more raw veggies, an epsom salt soak, a nap after breakfast?

3. Burn your forbidden foods list. Eat anything.

Food freedom, ironically, often leads to better food choices. Aim to stick to 2-4 cups of vegetables a day (especially leafy dark green veggies) regardless of whatever else you’re eating. Even if this means you’re ordering a plate of fries with a big salad to share. That’s #balance. Or have a green smoothie in the morning, even if it is followed by a latte and croissants. I’m serious!

4. Embrace the lack of routine, don’t fight it.

Surrender to this vacation and release your inner easy-goer. Run with the experiment of not being in control of your days. Pick it up again in Jan, but until then go where the breeze blows.

5. Acknowledge your feelings.

Ever heard of toxic positivity? Avoidance can feel comfortable on the surface but it’s ultimately not the solution to a lighter life. It’s only when we acknowledge all parts of ourselves that we start to feel rested and free. Denial and perfectionism are exhausting and there is no place for them at the holiday table.

6. Drink your pre and probiotics and eat delicious fermented foods.

Kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and more! Beat the bloat with gut-friendly foods. Support digestion and boost your immune resilience. Let the good bugs have their festive feast, too. Your body will thank you in the New Year!

Klara Mudge is a Nutritionist and Health Coach who works in Windhoek and Cape Town with corporates and individuals to optimise wellbeing and boost productivity. She writes for a number of leading health and wellness publications and speaks a lot about the physical effects of psychological stress. Her gift is to distill the principles of optimal health down to their most fundamental basics, ones that are accessible and easy for us all to follow. Find Klara on her offbeat Instagram feed (@bothsidesbuttered) where she shares straight-forward, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice. - obsession only draws us closer to the thing(s) we’re attempting to resist.