Tips for a healthy Christmas and New Years

Eating together has plenty of benefits compared to eating alone. The chief benefit is the social interaction, which psychologists say is important for mental health. It isn’t just good for your mental health, it is good for bonding as well. When you eat in a group, you also get to order multiple dishes and can then have a varied diet.

Tips for a healthier Christmas Christmas is the time we get together with family and friends. We eat and spend time with another and have a holiday. Eating together has plenty of benefits compared to eating alone. The chief benefit is the social interaction, which psychologists say is important for mental health. It isn’t just good for your mental health, it is good for bonding as well. When you eat in a group, you also get to order multiple dishes and can then have a varied diet.

However, for many it’s a time when healthy habits go out the window. The average Aussie ‘overindulger’ will gain an extra 1.1kg in weight over Christmas and reach for twice as many alcoholic drinks.

- Sit down and eat, yess I know. Sitting down and slowly eating your meal will stimulate your soothing (parasympathetic) nervous system. This will support your digestion, less bloating or other digestive concerns.

- Start the day with lemon water - this increases bile which improves your digestion. It also may reduce insulin levels which equals healthier blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar means stabilised energy, sleep and weight.

- More time over the Xmas break can mean more time to exercise and be outdoors. If you have a large meal go for a 20 min walk after which stabilises blood sugar levels.

- More time out of the office and outdoors is wonderful for your health and vitamin d levels. Go for walks, games outside, the beach and increase exercise outside.

- Support your liver with dandelion tea, lemon water, green tea and plenty of water.

- Foods that support liver include broccoli and beetroot. - Nutrients or supplements that help liver function include NAC and B vitamins.

- Now in Australia and New Zealand there is a abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Make the most of the seasonal beautiful fruit like stone fruit, strawberries, cherries and mangos.

- Take the time for rest, for sleep. We have had a hell of a year so take this time for yourself.