With the holidays fast approaching and more demands being placed on our time, many people are going to be feeling STRESSED. Unfortunately, the recipe of more responsibilities, less time, and more stress equals poorer food choices.
Many people work hard all year long improving their health, and making changes to their lifestyle only to let it all unravel during the 5 day holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, & New Year’s Day). That is why I decided to post my top 6 suggestions to keep you grounded this holiday season, and to keep you on track with all of your health advancements during the past 10 months.
- Pack your own convenience snacks. Gas stations, fast food restaurants, and food vending machines are invitations to eat junk food. If you’re going to be driving or flying, I recommend for you to take healthy foods from home like almond butter with Granny Smith apples, celery, carrots, pomegranate seeds, wild-canned fish, raw nuts and seeds and other nonperishable items. If you need something sweet, pack a 80-percent raw, dark chocolate bar to so you can avoid that doughnut or candy bar craving.
- Plan ahead and locate the closest health food stores and restaurants. Search these out before you arrive or as soon as you arrive to your location. Also, make a shopping list before you hit the grocery store to save you from wandering the aisles aimlessly and buying junk food impulsively. When choosing a restaurant, look for one that serves grass-fed, hormone-free or organic foods whenever possible. Not only will that keep you on track, but it may introduce your friends and family members to a new way thinking about their health. And don’t be afraid to make the decisions on dining out. Most people are happy when someone else makes the decision.
- Don’t forget to pack your supplements. Often times many people spend significant time preparing to pack their favorite wardrobes, however fail to pack the essentials including their vitamins and mineral supplements. During the stress of the holidays these supplements that have been helping to maintain your health for the past 10 months are even more necessary during the holidays. So be certain to place your supplements in an area where you will not leave home without them.
- Connect with your family. Remember, the holidays are about opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends. It is not the time to try and be perfect. Let all of the mishaps and subtle flaws just roll of your back. It is better to have a laugh at our mistakes and mishaps then to end up in the emergency room with a panic attack.
- Get restful sleep. Many people will want to pack an entire weeks’ worth of events into just 2 days. This will keep not only the kids up past their bedtimes, but you also. Sleep deprivation leads to poor cognitive and physiological responses of your body and ultimately poorer health.
- Keep your body in motion. Lastly, making sure to keep moving is also vitally important during this time. This is not the time to just sit around in that fancy recliner with your favorite beverage and snack bowl sitting on the end table next to you. Even a brief, brisk walk for 20 minutes can improve your immune system and keep your health in check.
If you’re looking for a little kitchen inspiration, the recipe section our website www.AskDrPatrick.com is filled with over 175 delicious healthy and mouth-watering recipes, including plenty of dishes you can make for the holidays.
 At Stanly Wellness Center, we are eager and ready to help you and your families achieve the best health possible. If you are looking for help with your health or you know of someone who is suffering with poor health, call the office of Stanly Wellness Center at 980-355-7600 and schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Patrick Ess to see how he can help. We specialize in nutrition, detoxification and neurological correction. You can also refer to our website at www.AskDrPatrick.com for more information. We accept most major health insurances including BCBS, Aetna, Humana, and Medicare.
