'Tis the season to be jolly... and for many- super social. The holidays bring about plenty of parties, gatherings and celebrations that can leave us feeling a little less than merry- despite all the fun we may have had. 

This last month has reminded me that quality time with friends and family is truly the most special gift and should be cherished and revelled in, big time. So if you're feeling inclined to stay up a little later than usual and embrace some old fashioned Christmas cheer with your people this holiday season, I say embrace away- and enjoy! 

 The key to navigating this season and avoiding feeling heavy, hungover and tired as you kick off the new year is finding the right balance. We have a tendency of letting things get out of control to the point that we feel like we are off track and then we tell our selves we will just get back on track when the holidays are over in 2017. 

When it comes to keeping control of your health over the holidays, your power lies in the choices you make all day long. You can choose to drink more water, you can choose to get some exercise, you can make plenty of healthy choices throughout the holidays that will help reduce the overall stress load on your body. This will help you feel on track, despite the fact that you may not be completely in sync with your regular health routine. 

I've put together a list of some of my favourite tips to help keep you feeling light and healthy over the holidays.  

1. Avoid overeating

   • This one is so key for the feel good factor. When you overeat, you get tired, you get bloated, you don't feel your best. Enjoy the abundance you are blessed with but mind your portions. Less is more sometimes, folks! 

2. Lemon water mornings

   • Not only will you be starting your day with some good hydration when you start your day with a tall glass of lemon water, but the lemon will help reduce acidity in the body and give your liver a bit of loving support. This is a simple habit that really just helps reduce stress on the body on a multitude of levels. On this note, hydration in general is something to pay attention to throughout the season (and always).
     

3. Sleep enough

   • If you are staying up later than usual, make time to compensate and rest! This is your time to rejuvenate. While fuelling yourself on endless cups of coffee will leave you feeling wired and acidic, squeezing in some good naps, lounges and herbal teas can be very nourishing for your adrenals (and your soul)
     

4. Get those veggies in

   • Staying nourished with phytonutrients and lots of antioxidants will help reduce oxidative stress on the body (which can be caused by eating poorly, alcohol, not sleeping enough and physical + emotional stress), will provide good nutrition and protection to your cells. This is great for reducing stress, keeping your immune system strong, and providing lots of fiber which assists with detoxification.
     

5. Sub-in some chlorophyll

   • Chlorophyll is like the life blood of plants. It gives them their green pigment. Aside from providing great nutrition, it is extremely alkalizing to your body- great for a time of year when we tend to overindulge in sweets, coffee and alcohol (which are very acidic), it is a powerful blood cleanser and helps detoxify the body.

   • They say that taking chlorophyll before and after indulging in alcohol can help prevent hangovers.

   • My favourite way to get this in easily is by taking chlorella- a sea algae super rich in chlorophyll in capsule form
     

6. Chew your food really well

   • This is a really simple way to reduce digestive stress and gastric upset. The more you chew your food, the more surface area your digestive juices and enzymes have access to, to more easily breakdown and digest your foods.
     

7. Take probiotics and embrace fermented food + drink

   • Keeping the good number of good bacteria in you gut up will not only help keep you healthy, but will also help improve your digestion and your energy levels.

   • Opt for a good quality probiotic supplement containing at least 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) and embrace fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha drinks.

Wherever your holidays bring you this year, I wish you all the health and happiness imaginable. Let's embrace the holiday as a time to celebrate, but ALSO rejuvenate. I think 2017 has some amazing things to offer us, let's welcome it by vibing on the right level when it rolls in. 

If you're ready to kickstart your healthy 2017, I made a very Simply Nourished Style Wellness Handbook just for you.

xo,
Danielle