Tue 13 Dec 2022
How to protect your body through party season
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The festivities needn't take a toll on the body - here are some practical tips
Between the mulled wine, celebratory champers and endless festive treats, December can take its toll. We called on nutritional therapist, Clarissa Lenherr, for some practical tips to see us through the party season.
Fuel your body
While it’s easier to pick up a quick chocolate bar or order a takeaway, fast food often lacks nutrients and can exacerbate our body’s stress levels. Eating foods that are high in sugars and/or refined carbohydrates can cause our blood sugar to yo-yo and drop, leaving us feeling more tired, stressed, emotional and even lead to increased food cravings. No thank you!
If we opt for balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, good fats and veggies, we are setting ourselves up for sustained energy, balanced mood and potentially less stress. If you’re short on time, batch cooking gives you healthy options ready in the fridge, or try to find healthy delivery options. Planning your meals at the beginning of the week is always a good idea.
Aim for lots of dark green, leafy vegetables that provide you with the vitamins and minerals required for energy production and support our adrenal glands, which produce many of our stress hormones. Cruciferous veg such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower support the function of our livers, the site where we break down and eliminate alcohol, so consume these regularly. Complex carbs such as quinoa, rye breads, starchy veg and oats are filled with fibre which supports your digestive system, keeps you full and provides a steady source of energy.
Drink smarter
We’re definitely not here to tell you not to drink over the party season, but there’s a lot to be said for making smart choices when it comes to alcohol. With a wide range of classic tipples now available in lower alcohol or reduced sugar versions, it’s easier than ever to opt for a drink that’s a little less harsh on the body.
Alternatively, avoiding alcohol altogether is more doable when you’re socialising from a distance – simply pop your favourite mixer and your alcohol-free beverage of choice into a glass, garnish with a slice of lemon, and no one will ever know the difference!
Get inspo from our friends at La Maison Wellness and warm up with an alcohol-free, mulled apple mindful cocktail (pictured above).
Don’t skip exercise
It can be easy to let our workout routine slip over the holiday months, but exercise really is a crucial practice. Ensuring you get some movement everyday can help with stress levels, mood and overall health.
It also helps the body’s natural detoxification by sweating out last night’s Negronis! Going for a brisk walk and getting some fresh air or a sweaty yoga practice can help get the blood moving and the ethanol out!
Get your z's
Let’s face it: we all know that not getting enough sleep will make us feel rubbish, but with so many Christmas parties in the calendar, it’s easy to hit many a 2am-er. Between all the alcohol and stodge, it’s as important as ever to get your 7-9 hours, even if you don’t have to go to work the next morning.
Try a herbal supplement, such as Valerian root extract, to help promote a calm and restorative sleep amongst the chaos!
