HAVE A HOLISTIC CHRISTMAS!!

‘Approaching Christmas in a holistic way can help to make it more enjoyable and relaxing’ says holistic nutritionist, Freda Molamphy.

For most people, Christmas is a time of rest, relaxation and family celebration and is eagerly anticipated. But for some, it can also be stressful and difficult. It is also the time of the year when most people tend to gain a few unwanted pounds, an inevitable result of the over-indulging in all the traditional Christmas goodies. But not to worry, approaching Christmas in a holistic way, can help to make it more enjoyable and relaxing.

If you can incorporate some of the suggestions below, you should emerge in January having enjoyed the festivities and be in good health for the year ahead.

*Positive Mental Attitude. Try to enter into the spirit of Christmas with a positive mindset. This can help to avoid the negative stress that can leave us drained and irritable.
*Relax. Take some time out for yourself each day – it can be something simple like listening to your favourite CD or book, a snooze in a quiet room or a nice relaxing lavender bath. Stretching and some quiet meditation is also wonderful.
*Exercise. Build in 30 mins minimum of exercise into your routine each day. A walk on the beach or in a quiet place, a swim, easy jog or some pilates / yoga will all help to keep the metabolism ticking over and help to burn some of the excess calories.
*Think before eating. A lot of us eat “unconsciously” at Christmas. Listen to your body and be aware of nibbling on foods and treats. No need to cut out the treats, just be conscious of the amount you are taking in.
*No food is bad, but be aware that some of our favourites are very high in fat and sugar and these are the ones that tend to pile on the stubborn pounds that we have to work hard at losing in the new year.

ENJOY HEALTHY CHRISTMAS FOOD

Several traditional foods are essentially healthy. As a lean cut of meat, Turkey is one of the best. A typical 3oz serving of skinless white meat contains less than 25g of fat. It is the turkey skin, stuffing and gravy that contains the fat.

Turkey is also a good source of the amino-acid Arginine which the body uses to make new protein. It also contains nitric oxide which relaxes and opens the arteries, allowing greater blood volume through to the heart,

Don’t forget the dark leg meat, its delicious and higher in iron than breast meat.

Smoked Salmon is an oily fish and a great source of essential Omega 3 fatty acids. Prawns, while they lack Omega 3 oils, are a super low-fat protein food.

-OR-Avoid Meat all together!....

Seasonal fruit and vegetables such as melon, pineapple, kiwi, clementines, cranberries, Sharon fruit, brussles sprouts, red cabbage, broccoli and root vegetables all contain fibre, minerals and valuable anti-oxidant vitamins. Load up on these protective nutrient rich foods.

Water – Water –Water
Try to drink at least 2 glasses a day, especially so if you are indulging in alcohol. If having alcohol, try to have a glass of water between each drink.

Have a super Christmas Season and embrace it wholeheartedly. Look forward to a great 2010 for yourself and your loved ones.