The holidays are for enjoying time with friends and family – not for feeling crappy! But with all of the indulgences and changes in people's regular routines, it's often a time where people find themselves feeling less than optimal.
But we're not going to let that happen this year, because I've got 7 hacks for you to look and feel your best all throughout the holidays in my brand new video!
I put together the recommendations I share in this video under the impression that you've just woken up from last night's holiday shindig and you aren't feeling so hot. But even if you're heading to a holiday party tonight, these recommendations will still be super helpful for you – likely even more so, as prevention is always the best measure if you want to stave off any kind of health ailment.
But not to worry if you woke up like "Dang, I'm feeling pretty rough" because after watching this video, you will be well on your way to feeling better!
7 Hacks To Survive The Holidays
- Improves circulation (blood flow), which enhances the removal and elimination of waste and gives your skin a healthy glow
- Enhances metabolism. One study found that being exposed to cold temperatures increases brown fat activity, which means you will burn more fat!
- Start out with a warm shower for 2 minutes. Change the temperature to as cold as it will go and shower for 1 minute. Try to relax and deep breathe through it.
- Alternate back and forth 3 or 4 times.
I've talked about this before on the blog and in both of my cookbooks Joyous Health and Joyous Detox. Drinking lemon and water is cleansing, detoxifying and an amazing way to hit the reset button so you can start your day out as joyously as possible!
Get movement into your day! Even just 10 minutes of a brisk outdoor walk will boost brain chemicals like serotonin, which boosts your mood, tames your appetite and will help you to sleep better.
4. Maximize your nutrition
For at least one meal, make the most healthy and nourishing dish possible. Here are some ideas for breakfast:
Golden Smoothie
McJordan Family Smoothie
Broccoli Sweet Potato Feta Frittata
Egg-Free Banana French Toast
5. Choose foods that balance your blood sugar
Choose foods that contain fat, fibre and protein because they are satiating and blood sugar balancing. You'll know if your blood sugar is off course if you are experiencing intense cravings for sweets or carbohydrates, spikes and dips in energy levels or having difficulty concentrating.
Some great foods to eat to balance your blood sugar include:
Don't deprive yourself as it will only backfire and make you want what you're depriving yourself of even more. That being said, don't hold out only for the dessert table either! I always save room for a special dessert like my Great Aunt Lily's figgy pudding. She's no longer with us anymore, but her figgy pudding at Christmas reminds me to choose my indulgences wisely.
Water and wine make everything fine! Well, not exactly, but what I mean by this statement is that if you drink a glass of water between every alcoholic drink, it will make a major difference in whether or not you suffer from a dreaded hangover!
You'll have to watch the video to see what Walker jumped in and shared :).
Do you have any foolproof tricks you carry with you throughout the holidays to feel your best? I'd love to hear them!
Wishing you a happy and joyous holiday season!
Joy xo
Loved this!!! Even if it’s not the holidays. I started doing hot and cold showers and wanted to see what was your opinion about it! Glad you approve!!!!!! Great bonus tip Walker.
ReplyYes!! So good for your metabolism, your immune system and so much more!