Patients and Readers,
Holidays are about prioritizing family time. When we’re trying to stay healthy, some of the focus shifts away from what we should truly be caring about. You need the emotional release from your job. You need to relax and spend that time with your families.
Since health is always important, we’ve come up with some strategies to make the holiday season easier to enjoy while staying as healthy as possible.
Optimizing Nutrition
During the holidays, it can be very difficult to find healthy options. But, there are some ways to account for this.
The first strategy you can use when it comes to food is to have a meal plan. This means if you’re the one making the meals, then you can look for healthy alternatives. Look for ingredients that are organic, raw, and without antibiotics. For example, choose nitrate-free ham or organic butter. This will help reduce toxins as well.
Another easy way to maintain a clean diet is by using recipes from a paleo book. What I use at my house is Practical Paleo. What’s great about having a paleo cookbook on hand is you can always find a meal that’s healthy and balanced, even when it’s not the holiday season.
When you’re not the holiday chef and have less control of ingredients, a great option is to create a food budget. Before you go to a family gathering, know what you want to eat. If you plan on having a slice of that pumpkin pie with some extra whipped cream, then do, but plan to have less stuffing or less mashed potatoes. It’s also best to limit sugar, so stick to one dessert.
Don’t expect perfection! It’s okay if you eat a little extra. It’s best to forgive yourself and try again.
Physical Fitness
When it comes to physical fitness during the busy holidays, the best thing you can do is to make it simple. Do basic exercises like squats or pushups and limit your time. Schedule a 15-20 minute workout in the morning before you have your family obligations. If you get it done early, you’ll feel accomplished, and you won’t have to worry about it later on in the day.
An easy way to exercise is through walking since you’re already most likely on the go anyway. If you have a fitness tracker, this will be even easier. A good goal is to improve your daily average of steps. For example, if your average steps a day is 10,000, then try to walk an additional 1,000 or 2,000 steps.
Another idea is to involve the family in your workout or exercise routine. Go for an unstructured walk and see the holiday decorations or go Christmas caroling. After the holiday meal, spark up a friendly game of football in the backyard or invite the family to go ice skating. You can set up holiday scavenger hunts in a park or through downtown, or you can try a new sport like disc golf.
In addition to scheduling in your exercise, make sure to make time for your spinal health. Take some time to see your chiropractor or get a relaxing massage. If you can’t make it to the chiropractor, then be sure to make your spinal exercises or yoga part of your daily routine.
The goal is to do something. You can’t always be perfect, but just try to do something a little more than the day before.
Let It Go
This holiday season, make sure you appreciate your family time. Cherish the break from work and take time for yourself. Think about your conversations, and make sure you’re surrounding yourself with people who nourish your soul. It’s about letting go and focusing on love and gratitude.
We’re here for you.
We are currently accepting new patients. Call us to sign up for one of our classes, and schedule your holiday chiropractor visits early. We’re here to help you stay healthy this holiday season.
In best health,
Dr. Robert Kuyper