Winter can be a wonderful time of year to cozy up inside with a good book and a warm blanket. The cold weather reminding us to slow down as nature does during the coldest time of the year.
For many, the Holiday season brings with it endless activities and party planning that can lead to added stress.
Rest assured you’re not alone.
It's easy to feel off track, out of hormonal wack, and a bit frustrated.
Rather than just giving in to temptation, we have several tricks that can help ease stress and promote hormonal health this Holiday Season (keep a look out for a post-Thanksgiving 7 Day Detox coming soon!)
1.Focus On Small, Manageable Goals
When it comes to the winter holidays, worrying about weight gain can put a major crimp on your fun. We all know that winter can be a tough time to lose weight.
Rather, focus on maintenance.
Whether you’re trying to maintain or just navigate the holidays healthfully, breaking a larger goal ("I want to fit into my cute dress at my friend's wedding!") into small, concrete goals ("I will eat an All-In-One Shake + Fiber Love for breakfast – three times a week for the next four weeks.") is far more effective.
This allows you to focus, feel in control and not get discouraged during a busy time of year.
Grab your favorite All-In-One Shake HERE (the new Vanilla is yummy). Add Fiber Love or Super Greens to boost your shake even more.
2. Manage Your Metabolism
Hormones, stress, and metabolism are closely tied to one another; if one is off, there’s a good chance your hormonal balance is off too. For example, a sluggish thyroid means weight gain, a bad mood, and thinning hair.
If you suspect your thyroid is dragging, try the following:
● Eliminate gluten from your diet. If you have a gluten sensitivity or even
celiac disease, gluten could be the reason you’re overweight, fatigued,
and bloated.
● Balance your levels of copper, selenium, zinc, and iodine. All are crucial for proper thyroid output (look for a multivitamin like MultiTasker that has everything you need). Check out MultiTasker HERE.
● Add vitamin D to your daily regimen. The best food sources are liver and low-mercury fish such as herring, sardines, and cod. Just in case your diet is low in seafood and sunshine, you can grab Plan D HERE.
3. Move More
Movement is essential to life and even more important in helping to reduce stress levels. It can be challenging during the colder months, but there are a wealth of online workouts and programs you can follow from the ease of your living room.
Worried about the drive to the gym in cold weather? That’s okay. Moving for shorter periods of time throughout the day still provides a host of benefits including, stress reduction and an activated metabolism.
Be creative and infuse a little winter outdoor activity in your routine. Go hiking, sledding, or build a snowman with the kids or instead of a glass of rose, meet a girlfriend and head to a Hot Yoga class.
Regardless of what you choose, your goal is to move more.
If all the activity is leaving your joints sore and achy, you might need something to help make your joints feel good again.
Joint Hero is developed to help you feel more comfortable during workouts and speed recovery after workout sessions. Check out Joint Hero HERE.
4. Make A Swap
If every winter event seems centered on alcohol and huge meals, try to change the focus. Bring your own foods to a party. If your friends want to meet for cocktails, suggest a walk instead.
Or if you want a treat, go with a high-quality dark chocolate instead of something high in carbs but low in nutrients.
When it comes to making your own daily meals, avoid the “white stuff.” That means white sugar, sugar substitutes, flour, and gluten should be exchanged for high fiber, nutrient-packed alternatives like dates and quinoa.
These “swaps” will make you stay fuller for longer, avoiding the excessive calories that are found in many summer staples.
One of the best way to feel full longer is by adding Fiber Love into your daily routine. It's developed to mix perfectly into shakes or smoothies so you get all the benefits without any weird flavor or grainy texture.
5. Navigate Holiday Parties Like a Pro
Pro tip...don’t go hungry. Filling up on healthy food before a party will help you only eat the things you really want - instead of gorging on everything.
If you’re short on time, you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition. Instead, use a high-quality protein shake (check out All-In-OneShakes here) to provide your body with both satiety, essential vitamins and minerals. Shakes are ideal as a meal replacement, or as a quick meal on the go and can help you manage overindulging during the summer.
6. Watch Your Wine & Alcohol
Wine or a bubbly beer can sound delicious. Many people enjoy social drinking during holiday parties, however, alcohol can wreak havoc on your body because it spikes cortisol and disrupts sleep.
By limiting yourself to 1-2 glasses, you’ll save calories and a possible hangover, while still enjoying yourself.
You could also consider something like Clean Slate, which is designed to protect and strengthen your liver function while boosting your methylation.
Clean Slate is a product that people are loving! Now's a great time to check it out.
Finally, a seventh bonus tip...be present & find gratitude.
Make it a point to savor the experience of the winter. Focus on the conversations instead of the food. Take pictures. Meet new people. Be in the moment. Watch a classic holiday movie. Laugh loudly & smile often.
Enjoy every minute of it and actively look for the best in yourself and others.
Here's to a healthy holiday season,
The Reset360 Team