The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be demanding for our bodies. As we navigate jam-packed schedules, late nights, heightened stress, indulgent treats and a whirlwind of social gatherings, staying healthy and feeling our best can become tricky.
In this article, Plenish Nutritionist Katie Morley shares four simple yet powerful nutrition habits to help you approach the season mindfully, striking the balance between indulging and feeling your best, so you can safeguard your health this silly season.
Mindful Indulgence
Good health is about finding balance, not denying yourself the joy of enjoying your favorite foods - especially during the festive season. Aim for nutrient-dense, balanced meals whenever possible, incorporating essentials like protein, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel your body. It's perfectly fine to include occasional indulgences, but staying mindful of your limits will help you feel your best throughout the celebrations.
Incorporate Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting can be a helpful tool to support your health during the festive season. Simply put, it involves shortening your eating window and extending the time your body spends in a fasted state. Grazing throughout the day can strain your digestion, energy levels and mood, while intermittent fasting helps your body reset, leaving you feeling lighter and more balanced.
One simple way to practice intermittent fasting is the 5:2 diet, which involves eating nutritious, balanced meals five days a week while reducing calorie intake to 500–600 calories on the other two days. Our 5:2 fasting programmes offer a nutritious spin on the traditional 5:2 diet, fuelling your body with organic fruit and vegetable juices on fasting days to provide essential vitamins and minerals while eliminating the hassle of calorie counting.
Fill Nutrient Gaps
The shorter days and reduced sunlight during winter may lead to low mood, fatigue, trouble concentrating and changes in appetite. During the festive season - a particularly busy time - it’s vital to address possible nutrient deficiencies to prevent ‘festive burnout’ and to support your mood, energy levels and cognitive function. If you live in the UK or other northern hemisphere countries with limited winter sunlight, consider supplementing with vitamin D, which may support immunity and reduce the risk of infections, helping to party-proof your health. Also, focus on getting enough vitamin C for skin health, energy and immunity, and vitamin B6 for mood and hormonal balance.
Don’t Forget Hydration
Water makes up about two-thirds of our body, making hydration essential for keeping our bodies functioning properly - from digestion and joint function to glowing skin and a balanced mood. During the festive season, staying hydrated becomes even more important, especially as alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration. While plain water is the go-to choice, you can mix it up by “eating” your hydration through water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon (92% water), strawberries (91% water), peaches (89% water), oranges (88% water), and cucumber (95% water). Daily hydration can also come from juices, juice shots, soups and herbal teas.
Author: Plenish Nutritionist, Katie Morley
DipNT, mBANT, mANP, CNHC
Email: katiemorley@holsome.uk
Website: www.holsome.uk