HEALTH + WELLNESS
Healthy Indulgence CONT .
Keep hydrated
Keeping your fluids up is essential and drinking at least two litres of non-caffeinated fluid a day should be on your Christmas activity list this year – and all year round . We need more water than you think , especially during the festive season ; it may be a little chillier outside , but factors such as central heating , alcohol intake and stress can all contribute to dehydration . Plan ahead and keep hydrated throughout the day . ‘ If you ’ re partying , it ’ s easy to drink more than normal and alcohol is a diuretic which can leave you dehydrated ,’ says Kathryn Danzey , health coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition . ‘ An electrolyte drink is also a great way to keep hydrated because ionic electrolytes optimise cellular metabolism throughout the body helping to balance and replace salt levels – or those that have been depleted by one too many glasses of fizz .’
Interestingly , our brains will often misinterpret feelings of dehydration for hunger , so try and get into the habit of drinking a glass of water before meals . A little extra liquid will do no harm , can leave you feeling fuller and will also encourage you to eat less ; win win . Another tip : invest in a water bottle ( or add one to your Christmas list ) – it ’ s the best way to track water intake and there are some really trendy options out there these days .
Be kind to your tummy
The consequences of overindulgence can wreak havoc on your digestive system often resulting in frequent trips to the loo , severe bloating and a general feeling of sluggishness . If you have
a sensitive stomach you should take particular care , especially if you ’ re an IBS sufferer as this is often the worst time of year for flair ups . ‘ Switch up your diet and aid digestion with sugar-free natural yoghurt or yoghurt drinks such as kefir ,’ says Mina Khan , founder of Formulate Health . ‘ They ’ re packed full of good bacteria which helps aid digestion and keep our bowels healthy ’.
Other natural remedies include ginger , which is a great antioxidant and inflammatory , naturally fermented products that contain live cultures , and herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint . Switching from your normal English Breakfast tea to a herbal alternative might just be the best thing you ever did and lots of brands are now offering tea blends specifically for digestive issues . Probably the most important consideration though are pre and probiotics . Introducing a probiotic into your daily routine will help take the digestive stress out of Christmas this year . Enzymedica ’ s range of digestive enzyme
ENZYMEDICA DIGEST GOLD , enzymedica . co . uk , £ 10.99 supplements liberate you from the sensations of feeling tired , sluggish , bloated or windy after eating and also have the additional benefit of better energy , concentration and alertness . Also , ironically , the bacteria living in a person ’ s gut can actually affect how quickly someone recovers from a hangover – all the more reason to invest in some good probiotics .
Move more
Health breeds health and we all know the best way to start the day is by exercising . Exercising daily contributes to a healthy mindset , and a healthy mindset means you are less likely to overindulge . Those who exercise regularly will tend to steer clear of unhealthy habits , generally considering nutritional , beneficial options so as not to ruin their fitness progress by demolishing a family size bar of chocolate .
Taking a break after a meal can also prevent overindulging . A lot of us are guilty of eating ourselves into oblivion , especially when the food keeps on coming . Avoid these sorts of situations by stepping away from the table and kickstarting your digestive system with a brisk walk around the block . Did you know by exercising regularly and increasing your muscle mass you are actually improving your metabolic rate ? Avoid fat accumulation from overeating and prepare your body to work efficiently by moving regularly ; it ’ s a no-brainer . Struggling to keep on track ? Invest in a fitness tracker , or add it to your Christmas list . These clever gadgets can help you reach all of your fitness goals .
Top Five : BEAT THE BULGE
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1 . Jin Jin Non-Alcoholic Enzyme Cordial , £ 39.99 , selfridges . co . uk
2 . Contigo Autoseal Chill , from £ 24.21 , amazon . co . uk
3 . Kalla , FOR RELIEF , 30-Day supply , £ 49.00 , kalla . com
4 . White Mint Wellness Tea , £ 14.50 ( tea bags ) £ 16 ( loose leaf ), teaandtonic . co . uk
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5 . 30 Pack Rehydration Sachet , £ 26.65 , vidrate . co . uk
6 . Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracket Black , £ 129.99 , very . co . uk
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