3 Healthy Holiday Habits

This is one of the most exciting times of the year. Christmas and New Years are filled with fun, gifts, and time with family & friends.  For those of us who are trying to make healthy choices, holidays also include parties and dinners that offer us food options full of sugar and unhealthy calories.   Below are three tips that may help you make healthier choices this holiday season.

1.  Drink Plenty of Lemon Water
Water is a great way to ensure we are staying hydrated, but one of the greatest benefits lemon water offers is aiding in circulation and helping to release toxins from our bodies.  Because of the pectin fibers in lemon water, it also helps to decrease our hunger cravings.  Another benefit of water, according to Women's Health Magazine, is that it helps to boost your caloric burn.  While I know it might not be realistic to avoid every sugar filled treat, ensuring you drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water daily will help.

2.  Drink at Least One Green Smoothie
Starting with a wonderful Green Smoothie for breakfast is a great way to jumpstart your day.  It will help you get in those 5 fruits and 5 vegetables you need, which can be difficult to achieve by merely eating.  Smoothies are also a great way to help you feel full with healthy food and satisfy that sweet tooth so you can avoid eating those sweet treats offered at lunch and dinner parties.  You can find several recipes in the e-book, Journey to a Healthier You.

3.  Travel with Your Own Sweet Treats
This has been my saving grace.  I love sweets like the next person, but I don't want the negative effects of unhealthy sugar has on my body.  Therefore, I make my own healthy desserts and pack them so I can have my own sweet treat when I will be places that will offer me all sorts of cakes and pies that I shouldn't put in my mouth. My favorite desserts are black bean cupcakes and cranberry scones.  You can find sugar substitutes and dessert recipes in my e-book.

Holidays don't have to give us the gift of extra pounds and knocking us off our health goals! These 3 healthy habits can help keep you from unwrapping that gift this year. 

​Merry Christmas!