Tis the season to be JOLLY or so they say…. the season to eat+drink+be merry “cos it’s christmas” .. FOOD EVERYWHERE.. However please bare in mind it may not be the food that you want, it may not be hunger that you feel.
Over-eating food may not fill the gap you are looking to fill, may not satisfy you or alleviate any pain you feel.
It’s often a memory we are trying to re create, one of being loved, looked after, comforted, taken care of..
Maybe before you reach for those cakes, look INSIDE, look at YOU and take care of yourself. If you’re not hungry, try not to go into auto pilot + reach for some fodda.. Look further … Please look after YOU!
Self-Care
Here are a few tips to help you look after yourself this Christmas 🙂
1. Start your day with a large glass of water OR a cup or hot water, lemon and apple cyder vinegar. Apple cyder vinegar helps to re alkalise your system after you’ve been asleep which in turn helps to keep inflammation/ tiredness at bay. It has been known to help balance your blood sugar and decrease your appetite – handy for this period of excess 😉 It can also help with indigestion issues so if you know that you will be indulging sip 1 tsp with some honey in a glass of warm water 30 minutes before your meal. ACV contains amino acids, potassium + enzymes meaning that a if you have huge amounts of stress to deal with it’s perfect to aid feeling of tiredness 🙂
2. Helping your HAPPY Hormone Serotonin . You can increase your serotonin levels at this sometimes stressful time of year by eating TRYPTOPHAN rich foods. This is an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin which in turn regulates appetite, sleep patterns + your mood (Serotonin and its derivatives regulate hunger, thirst, mood, breathing, sleep, confidence, perspective, self esteem, empathy, attitude and many other things) Try to include tryptophan rich foods into your diet this christmas. This can include: Chicken, Turkey, Tuna, Salmon, Lamb, Cod, Sardines, Eggs, Lentils, Chickpeas, Spinach and Asparagus 🙂
3. Magnesium – Many of us are completely deficient in Magnesium sadly + a lot of this is to do with our daily stressors + changes in agriculture and diet. One of the easiest ways to give our magnesium levels a boost is to either soak your feet in a bowl of Epsom Salts OR soak your whole self in a relaxing bath with Epsom Salts in 🙂 Magnesium is known as one of the BEST minerals to aid relaxation (as well as a zillion other amazing advantages) so light some candles, lock the door and soak yourself into oblivion 😉
4. Hungover? Now who isn’t going to indulge in a drink or two this christmas? I know I will.. With varying degrees of hangovers on a Sunday there are some things that YOU can do which will help the after effect that we have all come to know so well if you’re planning on indulging this Xmas!
Try to intersperse each alcoholic drink with a glass of water or coconut water with lime if you can get that (Easier if drinking at home or round a friends)
Make sure you have a good protein based meal before hand, and some bananas ready for the morning. Alcohol intake can eliminate our bodies supply of potassium + bananas are a quick easy way to fill you back up with this essential mineral. Honey is also rich in potassium + antioxidants, so maybe bananas covered in Manuka honey OR add honey to your hot water.
5. GET SOME FRESH AIR!!!! If all else fails + you feel like you may SCREAM if things get too much, get your joggers n jacket on and go for a walk 🙂
Fresh air is good for digestion.
Improves your blood pressure and heart rate.
It makes you happier = More Serotonin is created the more Oxygen we inhale = more relaxed 😉
Strengthens your immune system.
Fresh air cleans your lungs.
You will have more energy and sharper mind.
I hope you find this useful, and I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
With love,
Charlie
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Fitness Coach
http://www.cambridgebootcamps.com
