3 Ways To Keep Your Holidays Healthier

Holiday season life savers for your health goals.

This post has been sponsored by Manitoba Harvest. All opinions expressed are my own. 

With all the party-hopping and vacation-going, the holiday season festivities can easily derail your health goals.  These are the three golden-rules that get me through this time of year with my wellness game intact!  Follow these tips below for a happy and healthy holiday season:

Water, water, water.  Staying well hydrated helps to fight food cravings and hunger pangs while keeping you more alert and focused.  So it’s a win-win for your holiday health game!  Added bonus of upping your water this time of year is that it will also help fight that flaky, dry, tight skin that comes with the cold weather.  Don’t love plain water? Try sparkling water, seltzer, or adding a lemon, lime, or an orange slice for some natural flavor.  Aim to drink 8-10 glasses a day.

But first, snack!  Going too long between meals (longer than 4 hours) without a snack basically guarantees that you will overeat at the next family or holiday party.  And during a season where overindulging is the new black, we need to stay mindful and in control of our food choices, which never happens when we are hangry.  So here’s how I’m getting through these next few weeks…

• I always keep snacks in my office, like my homemade granola bars made with Manitoba Harvest hemp hearts, because they are crunchy, delicious, and hit my snack-must-have trifecta of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.  I’ll snack 1-2 hours before heading off to a holiday event so that I am more in control of my food choices at the buffet.
• Same thing goes for when I’m traveling over the holidays, snacks are a must!  When exploring a new city it can be hard to find healthy snacks that are the right portion size, so I never leave for a trip without my emergency snack kit pre-filled with all my snacking needs.  In addition to some grab-and-go snacks, I’ll pack some extra Manitoba Harvest hemp hearts so that I can easily up the protein factor to make a satisfying and filling snack by adding to fruit bowls or an avocado toast.  I also take some of Manitoba Harvest’s hemp & pea protein powder, Hemp Yeah!, in a ziplock baggie to help level-up the breakfast buffet by adding it to my oatmeal or mixing it into my lattes.

Don’t skimp on the Zzz’s. Never underestimate the value of a good night’s rest. Not only does it fight stress, which can be at a high this time of year, but it also fights food cravings and helps you to stay more in control of your food choices throughout the day.  Many studies have linked a lack of sleep with weight gain and obesity, clearly linking our sleep status to our food choices.  Keep your health and wellness on track by getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night.  Added bonus, it will also boost your energy, which we can also use a little more of this time of year.

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