4 Tips for a Healthier (More Sane) Holiday
Plus the last day for my Plant Magic subscription sale!
Whew, it's officially the holiday season and I couldn't be happier about it. I absolutely love Christmas time. We are getting a new gas fireplace this week, and shortly after that, our tree, so my house should be at maximum coziness very, very soon and I am basically thrilled to death.
Before we get on to the good stuff, quick housekeeping reminder that my (rare) sale on annual subscriptions will be ending tonight at midnight, so if you've been curious about my exclusive content, or just want to support my work (and have my unending gratitude), you can upgrade to a paid subscription here - it comes out to about $3/month. Also, the Beautycounter sale is extended another day - a big sitewide discount is very unusual, so take advantage! I stocked up on all my favorites (cleanser, night cream, C-serum, mascara) and bought a few gifts, too.
Back to business! Now that Thanksgiving is over and the other holidays are right around the corner, I wanted to talk a bit about staying healthy this time of year. Here's my personal approach:
Loosen the reigns, but just a little, and with intention. Enjoying a few Christmas cookies, or sipping on a couple extra glasses of champagne a week is not going to kill you. The key is to not let it turn into an an excuse to indulge every day between now and January, and/or to let those habits carry on into the new year. I also try to make very intentional choices. If I'm going to have a Christmas cookie, it definitely has to be vegan and something I really love. Same goes with alcohol. If I'm going to drink when I otherwise wouldn't, I'll ask myself, "Do I really enjoy this particular kind of alcohol? Is it honestly enhancing my night, or am I just having it because everyone else is?" At parties, load up on crudite and salads, and serve yourself smaller portions of the more indulgent stuff (don't pass it up entirely if you really want some!).
Switch from "have to" to "get to". I get to buy gifts for all the people in my life reminds us that it's a blessing to have loved ones, and the means to buy presents for them. I get to spend my precious Saturday setting up the tree and bringing out all the decorations from the attic. I get to go to so many holiday parties this season. I get to get my house ready for all the guests that are arriving next week. If you're healthy enough to participate in the holidays and all the preparations that come with it, that is something to be truly grateful for. As you may know, I'm a big proponent of daily gratitude lists - the holidays are a wonderful time to start this practice, if you don't yet. Be as specific as possible!
Don't try and cancel out your indulgences with strict detoxes or exercise. Detoxing should not be about punishment; it should be used as a tool to help support our health. As someone who loves a detox (I'm planning on doing Prolon in January!), I refuse to do them during the holidays. I wait all year for December, I'm not going to spend it on a strict meal plan, or slaving away on the treadmill. If you've truly overdone it one weekend, get back on track the next week with your regular exercise routine (no more, no less) and a plant-rich diet, and - if you can - stay away from processed stuff, sugar and alcohol.
There are lots of products out there that allow you to enjoy holiday flavors in a healthier fashion! Trader Joe's carries a yummy decaf Candy Cane Green Tea, and Celestial Seasonings does a Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride herbal tea that weirdly tastes like actual cookies. There are NutPods creamers (my fav) in seasonal flavors, like Peppermint Mocha and Holiday Nog. I always find great seasonal stuff at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and even Costco is starting to have better options. Look around and see what you find (and report back to me!!).
I'll be back soon with more good stuff for you! I've been so busy with Thanksgiving - personally and professionally - that I fell off schedule with a few things, but I promise more great content to come this month and especially in 2023!