10 Easy ways to have a healthy Christmas
Ah, Christmas - the time of year when trays of chocolate are within arms reach. After snacking all morning, it’s time for the big dinner. Party hats, Christmas crackers and a table groaning with food. Followed by desserts and a cheese board (you can’t forget the cheeseboard). Then it’s onto alcohol, board games and re-runs of Christmas movies.
Although the festivities are fun, they can leave you feeling bloated and lethargic. Soon, it’s back to work, and you’re a little worse for wear. So, if you want healthy Christmas tips, stick around. We’ve got ten easy ways to stay healthy over the Christmas season.
How to Have a Healthy Christmas
If you’re ready to dive into the Christmas spirit but want to keep on top of your well-being, read on. We’ve got the best healthy tips for an energetic, mood-enhancing and nutritious Christmas.
1. Snack on Wholesome Nuts
Nuts are festive and incredible for your health. They are rich in good fats to lower cholesterol and support heart health. They’re also a good protein pick-me-up when you’re in between meals. Nuts are high in fat, so eat in moderation. Below are the best nuts to nibble on:
- Supreme Californian Almonds - Almonds are classed as a superfood because they are nutrient-dense. Bursting with protein, high in fibre and a source of iron, they promote blood circulation and gut health.
- Walnut Halves & Pieces - Walnuts are another superfood, containing all nine essential amino acids. These help build collagen, the most abundant protein in your body, for glowing skin, strong hair and flexible joints.
- Jumbo Pecan Halves - Pecans are packed with vitamins A (retinol) and E to protect your immune system against harmful bacteria. They make a great snack on a chilly Christmas Eve.
- New Season Brazil Nuts - Brazil nuts have an earthy taste and are high in copper to support your immune system and shield your cells from free radicals.
- Roasted Salted Pistachios - Pistachios have a sweet, woody taste and vitamin C for strong immunity and elastic skin. Try our Grape Tree pistachios for a deliciously morish snack (just ensure you eat in moderation).
- Roasted Salted Cashews - There’s no better time for salted cashews than around Christmas. They are rich in iron, making them ideal for an energy top-up. They have a tasty salt coating, so eat in small amounts.
2. Switch Milk Chocolate for Dark Chocolate
Milk chocolate is processed and has added sugar, which can irregulate your glucose levels, causing energy slumps. The excess sugar also builds up in your arteries, slowing blood flow and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Exchange milk chocolate for bites of delicious Dark Chocolate Ginger. Dark chocolate is an extraordinary antioxidant, protecting your body from free radicals that attack cells. Ginger is a potent antiinflammatory - perfect for a swollen belly after too many roast potatoes.
3. Graze on Dried Fruit
Photo Credit: "© [Nitr] / Adobe Stock
Dried fruit is a fibrous treat brimming with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and B, magnesium and iron. Opt for juicy, orange New Season’s Apricots, plump Thompson Raisins and festive New Harvest Dried Figs. You can also try nature’s version of toffee - Pitted Dates. Hint: Pair dates with Dark Chocolate (you can thank us later).
4. Make Health-Enhancing Hot Drinks
Christmas is a time for celebration. That means indulging in Bucks Fizz and Bailey's hot chocolate is okay once in a while. But too much can make your body feel sluggish and affect your sleep.
Swap a pint of beer for a delicious hot drink like mulled apple cider. Make fresh with Pure Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks and grated Whole Nutmeg for antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
5. Take Supplements
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Sometimes, your body needs a helping hand to maximise essential vitamins and minerals, especially over Christmas. The MultiVit Daily Oral Spray and Pure Multivitamin capsules are quick to take and give you an added health boost.
6. Everything in Moderation
If there’s one thing people forget over Christmas, it’s eating in moderation. You don’t have to cut out everything delicious and only nibble on stringy runner beans. But you also don’t have to fill the recycling bin with endless bottles of wine. Instead, stick to a couple of glasses and a medium helping of Christmas pudding rather than extra large.
7. Stay Hydrated
In all the excitement (or drama) of seeing family, it’s easy to forget to drink water and stay hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, you will experience bad moods and fatigue. Keep a glass of water nearby and stir in a superfood supplement. We love the Aloe Vera Botanical Blend and Sour Cherry Juice.
8. Eat Your Greens First
Eating your greens first is a surefire way to get your five-a-day (even at Christmas). Half of your plate should be made up of vegetables, then a quarter of protein, followed by a quarter of carbohydrates.
Eating veggies before anything else also lines your stomach with fibre, reducing a spike in glucose levels for better energy. So load up on kale, carrots and Brussel sprouts. You can also sprinkle them with Pistachio Nut Kernels for vitamins C and B6 and magnesium.
9. Ease Your Digestion With Ginger and Cranberries
The best Christmas dinners make your belt feel a bit tight. But there’s nothing worse than nursing a sore stomach after too much turkey. You try to relax, but undoing your buckle won’t do it.
Give your digestion a helping hand by nibbling on Crystallised Ginger and Sweetened Dried Cranberries. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe an irritated gut. And the high-fibre content in dried cranberries provides slip for better bowel movements.
10. Choose Healthy Christmas Recipes
If you’re hosting, go for healthy Christmas recipes with ingredients high in vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats. If you’re visiting, contribute a Christmas wellness dish to the table - for example, chia seed pudding, an array of nuts or a dark chocolate dessert.
Have a Healthy Christmas With Grape Tree
You can still treat yourself this Christmas while keeping your health and wellness on track. Just follow these simple, healthy Christmas tips and feel refreshed instead of sluggish. Choose whole foods to have a wonderful festive season with Grape Tree.
