Surviving the Christmas Holidays With Your Health Intact — Each holiday season Health-e reminds readers to keep your health in check despite the many temptations to indulge here in Bali. Here are our tips to help you step into 2020 feeling great.
Watch your sugar levels
Number one on our list is to limit your sugar consumption throughout the season. Sugar has a dramatic effect on the immune system for hours after consumption so skip the holiday candy each day and you might just keep the doctor away. If you are craving something sweet consider guilt-free snacks like almonds, popcorn, frozen fruit bars.
Eat Bali grown fruit
Since you’re staying away from sweets, you’ll need a dessert replacement, and fruit is the perfect substitute and no shortage here in Bali.
Make healthy substitutions
Mashed potatoes might be a holiday staple, but mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes can be just as tasty and they are abundant around Bali markets – with half the calories, and a host of added health benefits. You can also replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, soda with flavored sparkling water or eggnog with hot apple cider.
Take probiotics
Reported in Health-e, Resolution to Eat Right (Jan, 2019) probiotic bacteria, known as Bifidobacterium bifidum, is especially important during the holiday season, as it’s been shown to boost immunity against cold and flu during times of acute stress and we know how stressful the holiday season can be.
Get your sleep
It might seem counterintuitive when we’re talking about a busy party season, but no matter how busy your social calendar is, a minimum of seven hours sleep per night is a must.
We’ve said it before —- drink less alcohol
Maybe the tallest order on the list for some, especially here on the holiday island of Bali, is limiting the number of alcoholic drinks, which can make a huge difference when it comes to your health. Not only are cocktails often packed with sugar, they’re also full of empty calories. Too many can lower inhibitions, which can also lead to making extremely poor food choices.
Divide your plate
It’s easy to pack your plate with seasonal treats like mashed potatoes with gravy and candied yams, but try to limit them and occupy half your plate with dark leafy vegetables, which will not only keep your caloric intake in check, but have also been found to be the source of a chemical signal that’s key to an optimally functioning immune system.
Make a daily exercise schedule
Just like you use your calendar to schedule your social events over the next few weeks, use it to schedule your workouts as well. Staying active will keep the strength of your immune system up, and it’ll also help ease the physical effects of the extra merriment.
Never skip meals
One of the biggest mistakes you can make during the holiday season is going to a party on an empty stomach. It’s hard to make healthy choices when you’re hungry, so make sure you stick to your regularly scheduled meals, no matter how great the party menu is going to be.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is key to keeping healthy through the holidays. Make sure that you alternate between boozy beverages and H20 — not only will plenty of water mitigate a potential hangover, it’ll help you fight off any germs that come your way.
