1.   Keep to a healthy diet, but don’t obsess
-Don’t go to parties hungry! This will result in way too many appetizers and overfilling of the plate.  Have a healthy snack or smoothie before you go.
-Every meal should consist of half a plate of vegetables. This will keep your digestion moving and lower your calorie count.
-Indulge a little bit.  The holidays are about celebration, so go ahead and have a piece of grandma’s pumpkin pie.  But just one.  Consider prepping yourself with digestive enzymes or taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before meals.

2.   Move your body EVERY DAY
-Keep to your exercise routine as much as possible.  The holidays are a time for exceptions, but don’t make this one of them.
-Get your family moving!  How about proposing a family walk after dinner? Or a touch football game in the park?  Or joining in on that local 5K run?
-If you can’t get anyone else to join you and you can’t get to the gym, do yourself a favor and do some fun exercises for 20 minutes in your home: burpees, situps, plank holds, jumping jacks, karate kicks, running the stairs, whatever you can think of!

3.       Solid sleep schedule
-Try to maintain a schedule of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.  Optimally, this is from 10pm to 7am.  There will be blips, but make a conscious effort to make this happen!
-Too amped to sleep?  Limit caffeine to 1-2 cups BEFORE noon.  Don’t over-indulge on alcohol, and don’t drink later than an hour before bedtime.
-Exhausted in the morning? Get your cortisol pumping right away by getting in your daily movement!

4.       Mental health time
-This is very important.  Take time for yourself during the craziness.  Spend at least 15 minutes a day on yourself, whether that is meditating, taking a bath, praying, napping or simply walking.
-Take a moment to be thankful for all that you have, every day.  The holidays are a special time for reconnecting with friends and family, family traditions, letting go of grudges, and acknowledging the passing time.

5.       Natural immunity boosters
-Have an arsenal on hand.  Most people could benefit from taking a daily probiotic, vitamin D, and a multivitamin/mineral.  Brands I like: Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls, Genestra D-Mulsion 1000, and Innate Response One Daily Cap. {I have no financial affiliation with any of those products}.
-Contrast hydrotherapy: alternate hot and cold water in the shower (ex: 1 min hot, 10 sec cold, repeat 3 times).  Always end on cold.  This stimulates your circulation and causes your immune system to fire up.
-Wash your hands! Use soap and water to wash your hands several times per day, especially after being in public spaces and before eating.  No need for antimicrobial soaps, just regular soap is the best!

{Disclaimer: this is not considered personal medical advice, and you should speak with a physician before making diet and lifestyle changes. I’m happy to be that physician; all you need to do is schedule an appointment with me}