The holidays seem to be synonymous with over-indulging. Whether it’s the comfort food of Thanksgiving casseroles, those decadent holiday desserts that seem to be everywhere, or the stress of hosting elaborate meals and entertaining family, the struggle is real.
In fact, according to Healthline, in just 2 months, many Americans gain an average of 1 pound. While that may not seem to be much, those of us already trying to lose weight know how hard it can be to work off. But not this year! With a bit of proactiveness and an open mind, we can enjoy the holidays while staying healthy—inside and out.
Here are 7 tips to get you started:
- Plan Ahead
Just as meal planning for the week helps stop a late-afternoon binge and sticking to a grocery list helps prevent you from overspending, planning ahead can help you ward off lots of calories. Whether it’s stocking the fridge with fiber-rich veggies, fresh fruit, and lean meats, or making healthy dishes to add to the holiday spread, a little prep goes a long way!
- Stay Hydrated
The worst thing about being thirsty is mistaking it for hunger. Whether it’s the onset of a headache, lack of energy, or even what feels like hunger pains, it could actually be dehydration. If you’ve recently eaten, yet still feel hungry, try drinking water and waiting a lit bit to see if it goes away. Better yet, make sure you’re getting enough water throughout the day so you don’t have to wonder. It’s a lot better than empty calories.
- Think Probiotics
While “gut bacteria” doesn’t sound sexy in the least, a healthy microbiome is essential for weight loss, good mood, deep sleep, productive energy, healthy skin, heart health, brain health, and a balanced immune system. Oh, and it’s also great for bloating and tummy issues.
Optimal Probiotic 8™ contains eight different strains of beneficial probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. Think, 23 billion healthy bacteria, including our own patented strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum GKM3.
- Choose Wisely
There is hunger and there are cravings. If you’re hungry for a meal and you’ve been staying hydrated, choose fiber-rich dishes without (or at least limited) processed foods. However, if it’s a craving, skip the dessert bar, and reach for something healthy, like a Chocolate Strawberry Popeye Smoothie Bowl featuring Choclevate™.
With just 5 simple ingredients, Choclevate is an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it brings the happy factor thanks to nootropics that may boost your brain’s feel-good hormones†, appetite control, and long-lasting energy, it’s all the good stuff without the crash.
Choclevate Strawberry Popeye Smoothie Bowl
- 1 scoop Choclevate
- Handful of Fresh Spinach
- 1/2 cup Frozen Strawberries
- 1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- Top with fresh berries and your favorite toppings!
5. Get Your Shut Eye
When times get tough, it always seems to be our sleep that suffers. This year, give your body the sleep it needs for a better more productive, and happy day.
Our Unwined™ drink mix was made for crazy days—and even the holidays. So when it’s time to slow down, relax, and chill, this is perfect for sipping. Plus it tastes great. Bye-bye racing thoughts. Nighty-night muscle tension. Stress be gone! It’s a totally new kind of health drink without the excess sugars or expensive price tag.
6. Move a little, move a lot
You don’t need any fancy equipment to get active. Just a pair of comfortable shoes that you can walk in. Even a quick walk will help boost your mind, energy, and spirits. Not to mention, per the Mayo Clinic, regular walking can help:
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve muscle endurance
- Increase energy levels
- Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep
- Improve your balance and coordination
- Strengthen immune system
- Reduce stress and tension
- And more!
7. Keep Your Energy and Focus Up
It’s hard to bring your A-game when you’re feeling tired. And, the holiday hustle and bustle? Well, just thinking about that can be pretty tiring. Luckily, our Energy Caps® can help get you back on track.
We’re talking… mood elevation, appetite control, and Xtreme energy. It’s the MAX experience and a little something extra. Dial it up. Dial it in. Then let the good times roll! It is after all the most wonderful time of the year!
† These product statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
