12 Days Of Happy And Healthy Christmas Tips

For the past 9 days, I've been posting a Christmas Tip each day for a healthy and happy Christmas season over on my Facebook Page. In case you missed them, I'm including them below..(plus, you get 3 days of tips early!)

On to the 12 Days Of Healthy And Happy Christmas Tips:

Day #1 HAPPY FEET! (This one is more of a challenge than a Tip, but helpful nonetheless!)
Your feet work SO HARD for you ALL DAY LONG. I’m challenging you to show them some love by giving them a little massage!

All you need is a tennis or lacrosse ball and a few minutes – you can do this when you’re winding down at night in front of the computer at TV or sitting at your desk (no one has to know!).

Simply roll each foot (no shoes!) on the ball for a few minutes. Go as fast or as slow as you want, applying as much or as little pressure as feels good. 👣👣

As you go, you’ll notice some spots feel tighter than others. Spend a little extra time on each tender/tight spot and let the muscles relax a bit.

The goal isn’t to cause yourself any pain...

You should feel like you’re releasing some tension in your feet as you go! It should actually feel really good!

Sometimes our feet can get so tight we don’t even notice they could use a little TLC.

You’ll be amazed at the difference this can make in how doing this will actually release tightness up through your legs and hips and impact the rest of your body!  It’s also a great preventive exercise for plantar fasciitis.

Your challenge is to get a ball and roll your feet every day for 3-5 minutes each!

Day #2: How much water are you drinking daily?
Here are some general guidelines:

• Take your body weight and divide it by 2. This is the # of ounces per day you should aim to drink. Clear urine is the key!
• Have a glass of water upon rising every day
• Have a glass of water before eating a festive meal

Day #3: Bundle up and get some fresh air.
I know, outdoor excursions aren't nearly as tempting when it's cold outside.

However, fresh air is a great way to clear the lungs and the mind.

We spend so much time indoors breathing recirculated air in the winter, and it does the body and the mind good to escape outdoors.


Day #4 Take vitamin D drops throughout the winter.
We need vitamin D for many reasons, including to boost our immune system (to fight off colds and flu's) and for our mood (ie seasonal affective disorder).

The thing is, we don't get even close to enough without daily exposure to the sun with our bare skin (no sunscreen) 🌞

A vitamin D supplement is essential to maintaining good health 👐

For access to practitioner-grade supplements (with specialty pricing!) delivered quickly and easily to your door, click HERE and create your very own account.

Day #5 Take a time-out!
The to-do list will always be there. It won't ever not be there.

In order to keep up with the many demands for our time, and be able to give the world our best, we need to take some time for ourselves.

Add an app like "Calm" or "Insight Timer" to your phone and set a notification for a 10 minute time-out each day.

Day # 6 Carry healthy snacks with you so you're not tempted to grab fast food when you're on the go and starving.
Healthy ideas are raw nuts & unsweetened raisins, home made energy bites, fruit, veggie sticks & hummus.

Want to make it even easier to eat healthy on the go? Click HERE.

Day #7 Keep your immune system running strong with lots of fruits & veggies and antioxidants Vitamin A, C, E and Zinc.
When we’re tired or stressed our immune system can’t function at it’s best, so keeping your nutrient intake up is imperative.

If you find you’re having a really hard time getting the recommended 7-14 servings of a variety of fruits and veggies each day (it’s hard for most of us even with the best intentions!) send me a message. I can help you easily fit these into your day (and your kids will eat free!)

Day #8 Eat breakfast!
Include a healthy fat and/or protein to keep you fuller, longer, set your metabolism for the day, keep your energy levels up and ward off cravings.

Click HERE for lots of helpful tips that will keep your energy levels up and ward off cravings!

Day #9 Include protein with every meal (vegetarian or animal source).
Protein is a thermogenic food and it takes energy to burn, so you burn more calories.
It also keeps you fuller, longer and reduces energy crashes.

Day #10 Make sleep a priority.
It's easy to become sleep deprived leading up to Christmas.

Late-night gift wrapping, parties and get-togethers are a lot of fun, however they can also result in a lack of shut-eye (leading to crankiness, loss of focus, increased cortisol, etc) 

Day #11 Don't skip your workouts.
As I always say, you don't have to go to a gym to get (or stay) in shape.

Hiking in the snow is a fantastic workout (just bundle up!), as is toboganning, skating and working out in your basement.

Make a commitment to keep your body moving regardless of the weather outside.

Day #12 En-JOY your day with your loved ones💓
May your heart and mind be filled with all of the JOY possible that this time of year has to offer and your tummy filled with delicious (and healthy!) food.
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Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and increased health and happiness in 2019! 💓

May Anne