Do you have a new year’s resolution to get healthy? A plan to make up for those unhealthy habits you might adopt over the festive season? You know, you could give yourself a head start by prepping for good health beforehand!
Counteract Alcohol
Before you head out for those festive drinks, drink a glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice. This stimulates liver detoxification. Our liver is the poor organ that has to deal with breaking down alcohol so give it a helping hand by kickstarting the detox early.
Protect Your Liver
If yours is working harder than normal at this time of year, here are two ways to help protect it:
St. Maryʼs Thistle: Also known as milk thistle. Itʼs a herb that has hepatoprotective qualities, meaning it aids normal liver function as well as protecting liver cells through its strong antioxidant activity. Traditionally used as a detoxifying agent, milk thistle supports regeneration of liver cells and protects against potentially harmful substances – such as alcohol! You can take it in tea, tablet or liquid herb form.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Fermented apple cider is a great way to alkalize the body in preparation for the festive season. The theory is that our blood is slightly alkaline, and the foods that people tend to overeat – grains, meat, dairy products – all produce acid. Advocates of the alkaline-acid theory believe that a diet high in acid-producing foods leads to lack of energy, excessive mucous production, infections, anxiety, irritability, headaches, sore throat, nasal and sinus congestion, allergic reactions and it’s said to make people prone to conditions such as arthritis and gout! One tablespoon first thing in the morning will do the trick.
Keep Your Energy Levels Up!
Itʼs a very busy time of year so, to keep your energy levels up, eat foods high in B vitamins, like raw nuts and seeds. Brazil nuts, almonds, macadamias, walnuts, sunflower seeds and pepitas are all a great source of vitamin B.
Stress Less
As much as it’s fun, this can also be a stressful time of year and there are often a few more late nights. Stress on the body can cause free radical damage. To prevent and combat free radical damage, go for foods which have a high antioxidant status. Some examples: goji berries, blueberries, raspberries, prunes, broccoli and garlic.
Relax More
Relaxation is usually a bi-product of stressing less but you can help aid relation by going for foods high in magnesium; they help calm your nervous system. Some examples: dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, black cabbage, sliver beet, rainbow chard), raw nuts and seeds (brazils, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and pepitas), and chocolate (dark chocolate has more health benefits).
Drink Loads of Water!
I know, you’ve heard it before but it’s absolutely crucial during the festive season. We all need around 1 liter of water for every 22kg of body weight per day. When we are hydrated we can think clearer, our organs of elimination are functioning optimally and our skin glows!
Tackle the Turkey: 80/20
Donʼt feel like you canʼt treat yourself over the festive season, you definitely can! Just remember 80% of the time eat well, and 20% of the time treat yourself. Itʼs all about balance!
Remember: have fun!
Happiness is so important when it comes to your overall health, so have fun this festive season!
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Apple cider vinegar is acidic – it contains, among other acids, acetic acid, and can hardly make your system more alkaline – you should be more careful and proof read what you publish (check for other typos!)