Healthy Hormones Through the Holidays
While the holiday season is full of joy and happiness, it would be impossible to not acknowledge the increased stress that comes along with this time of year. With the added responsibilities and festivities it can sometimes be challenging to stick to the daily rituals that make us feel our very best.
I wanted to highlight some of my favorite ways to continue to feel my very best during the holiday season, while still enjoying all of the feel-good family traditions. No need to worry, I won’t be telling you to skip out on your mother’s homemade Christmas cookies or to eat dinner before attending a holiday party so that you can pass up the charcuterie board. I believe that a well-balanced life includes all of these special memories.
5 Tips for Healthy Hormones through the Holidays
#1 Do NOT “save your calories” for parties or holiday dinners!
This is a tip that applies to really any time of the year! I hear people time and time again say how they “skipped breakfast to eat more at dinner” or “are saving room for the party”. This is a BIG NO!
Skipping out on any meals, but especially breakfast can wreak havoc on our blood sugars for the day. Leaving us with the 2 pm crash and what feels like a never-ending craving for all the sweets. Not to mention the ravenous hunger that sweeps over you the second you walk into a holiday party with an incredible snack spread after having eaten nothing all day long. You end up scarfing down everything in sight only to be left with a terrible stomach ache, bloating, and the urge to take a nap.
So this holiday season, NO MEAL SKIPPING! Focus on starting every day with a protein and fiber-rich breakfast to support balanced blood sugars, sustainable energy, and gentle hunger cues.
#2 Upgrade Recipes with a “Healthy” Twist
This little trick has become one of my favorites! Now do not get me wrong, some recipes should not be messed with. I am not saying that you should swap out all of your favorite recipes for a more hormone-friendly alternative.
The internet makes it so easy to search for a surplus of fun and creative twists on the classics. Some of my favorite swaps for this time of year are a cup of hormone-healthy hot cocoa or pumpkin protein pancakes!
#3 Be Mindful of Alcohol Consumption
We are all adults here, so I will first start by saying that you can absolutely consume alcohol as you see fit. However, I always think it is very important to have an honest conversation with yourself about how alcohol makes you feel. Chances are, it probably does not make you feel your very best.
So when choosing how much to drink at social gatherings, ask yourself how you want to feel the next day. I love swapping alcoholic drinks for fun and festive mocktails!
#4 Find Little Ways to Add More Movement
The holiday festivities can be a bit chaotic! Sometimes it means skipping your usual evening workout for a work party or heading out of town for the weekend to visit family. While I support doing your best to maintain the daily rituals that make you feel your best, sometimes it just doesn't work out. Instead of stressing over missed workouts, take a deep breath. Missing a few workouts at the end of the year is not likely to make or break your health. Enjoy the time with family and friends!
Find small ways to add in movement when you are not able to squeeze in your regular Saturday morning spin class. Instead head out for a walk with family before a meal, park a little further from the grocery store entrance, or sprinkle in a 15-minute bodyweight workout while traveling. No matter how small, any amount of movement has a positive impact on our health and how we feel.
#5 It Does Not Need to be Perfect!
The most important advice I can give you is to stop stressing over perfection. This time of year is about so much more than crushing our health & wellness goals. So don't be too hard on yourself if things do not go exactly as you planned. You will probably eat too much sometimes and there will be days where you spend an entire day sitting on the couch watching Christmas movies. Give yourself grace and move on without guilt. You are doing the best you can!
I hope these tips resonate with you & that you have a Happy Holiday!
