The holidays are the most difficult time of the year for people to find how to manage stress and to stay on a healthy eating regime.
These two things go hand in hand really - as during this time of year there is much over-eating and many sugary foods consumed which contributes to body stress.
The reason for this is that sugar robs the body of its vitamins and minerals.
Most people do not consider nutrition at this time of year as they normally would because there is so much food prepared by others that is irresistible.
Usually, there are Christmas gatherings and celebrations with lots of sweets, like cookies, cakes, pies, eggnog, sweet coffee drinks and other sweet drinks and desserts that only come around once a year as tradition has it.
This is also a time when many feel they deserve to eat as they want because it is a festive time with family and friends.
How to Manage Stress - Nutritionally and Otherwise: - Think about eating sweet treats a few times a week instead of everyday.
- Eating sweets or sugary foods makes you want to have more of it.
THE MORE SUGAR YOU EAT, THE MORE SUGAR YOU WANT.
(This includes high fructose corn syrup) Sugar depresses the immune system.
For those interested in their skin, a natural process that's known as glycation, in which the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful molecules know as advanced glycation end products.
The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop - causing skin damage.
Beware of sugar in cosmetics as well.
Sugar slows the immune system down, so if you get a cold around the holidays you might have consumed too much sugar.
An influx of sugar into the bloodstream upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a consistently safe level.
Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, so that when you eat sweets high in sugar, you will see quick weight gain.
Complex carbohydrates (fruits/veggies) tend to be absorbed more slowly, lessening the impact on blood-sugar levels.
There are dozens of other reasons to avoid sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
Cutting back on sugar is a BIG How to Manage Stress in our lives.
- Cut back the sugar in all recipes.
Instead of a cup of sugar add only ¾ of a cup.
You will enjoy the taste much more.
In fact, you will actually taste what you are eating if it has less sugar in it.
- Take B vitamin complex to calm nerves.
- Always eat fresh fruits and vegetables for the enzymes that your body requires.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables also works to bring the body back to an alkaline position (healthy position) rather than an acid position (disease position).
- Think about eating and drinking in smaller portions.
- Remember to drink lots of water to wash all those sweets through and through.
- A little sauce, butter or gravy can go a long way - streeetch it.
- Wear clothing that is snug and you'll likely eat less - Hold that tummy in - and you will feel better for it.
- Serve yourself smaller portions, and eat slower.
- Can you eat without a second helping? Saves calories and you will not feel stuffed.
- If you are preparing dinner and have tons of food - send some food home with your guests, or; - Deliver a plate of food to an elderly neighbor or to someone who might need it or appreciate it.
Tis better to give than to receive.
- Ask your relatives or friends to bring friends so there are not a lot of leftovers.
And, the more the merrier! Other Suggestions for How to Manage Stress: - Draw names and exchange gifts with just one other adult or exchange gifts family to family instead of buying for everyone.
Keep a limit or range on the dollar amount you will spend.
Keep the name you drew a secret! - Write a story - as a secret exchange -- write a serious or funny story about another instead of exchanging gifts - and read it aloud on Christmas.
This will greatly boost someone's self-esteem - What a gift! - Buy gifts for the children only - Adults -- just appreciate each others company.
- Make a gift instead of buying it.
Avoid the malls, traffic, stress, etc.
- Don't over do it by cramming your day with a TO DO LIST.
X the to do list!! - Get out and do some exercise and be with yourself for a while...
climb a mountain, swim the ocean, walk around the block and stop to look at the moon and stars.
- Sleep -- Sleep deprivation causes stress on the body - The best hour of sleep is between 11pm and midnight.
- Other great ways to relieve stress -- take a breather and meditate for 10 minutes while lying down - or just take a cat nap for 10 minutes.
Remember to Breath.
Set your timer.
- If you feel so inclined, Pray, for forgiveness, for others, for yourself and your family -- "We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.
" --by Unknown.
Express Love & Gratitude every day -- for who and what you have in your life.
You and they are special and unique.
The people in your life are there for a reason - for your growth or their growth.
And allow yourself to have fun with family and friends!! Laugh a lot! Shine through! Just be you! Blessings to you and yours.
And may your New Year be filled with Health of "Mind, Body and Spirit by Faith"!
These two things go hand in hand really - as during this time of year there is much over-eating and many sugary foods consumed which contributes to body stress.
The reason for this is that sugar robs the body of its vitamins and minerals.
Most people do not consider nutrition at this time of year as they normally would because there is so much food prepared by others that is irresistible.
Usually, there are Christmas gatherings and celebrations with lots of sweets, like cookies, cakes, pies, eggnog, sweet coffee drinks and other sweet drinks and desserts that only come around once a year as tradition has it.
This is also a time when many feel they deserve to eat as they want because it is a festive time with family and friends.
How to Manage Stress - Nutritionally and Otherwise: - Think about eating sweet treats a few times a week instead of everyday.
- Eating sweets or sugary foods makes you want to have more of it.
THE MORE SUGAR YOU EAT, THE MORE SUGAR YOU WANT.
(This includes high fructose corn syrup) Sugar depresses the immune system.
For those interested in their skin, a natural process that's known as glycation, in which the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful molecules know as advanced glycation end products.
The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop - causing skin damage.
Beware of sugar in cosmetics as well.
Sugar slows the immune system down, so if you get a cold around the holidays you might have consumed too much sugar.
An influx of sugar into the bloodstream upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a consistently safe level.
Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, so that when you eat sweets high in sugar, you will see quick weight gain.
Complex carbohydrates (fruits/veggies) tend to be absorbed more slowly, lessening the impact on blood-sugar levels.
There are dozens of other reasons to avoid sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
Cutting back on sugar is a BIG How to Manage Stress in our lives.
- Cut back the sugar in all recipes.
Instead of a cup of sugar add only ¾ of a cup.
You will enjoy the taste much more.
In fact, you will actually taste what you are eating if it has less sugar in it.
- Take B vitamin complex to calm nerves.
- Always eat fresh fruits and vegetables for the enzymes that your body requires.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables also works to bring the body back to an alkaline position (healthy position) rather than an acid position (disease position).
- Think about eating and drinking in smaller portions.
- Remember to drink lots of water to wash all those sweets through and through.
- A little sauce, butter or gravy can go a long way - streeetch it.
- Wear clothing that is snug and you'll likely eat less - Hold that tummy in - and you will feel better for it.
- Serve yourself smaller portions, and eat slower.
- Can you eat without a second helping? Saves calories and you will not feel stuffed.
- If you are preparing dinner and have tons of food - send some food home with your guests, or; - Deliver a plate of food to an elderly neighbor or to someone who might need it or appreciate it.
Tis better to give than to receive.
- Ask your relatives or friends to bring friends so there are not a lot of leftovers.
And, the more the merrier! Other Suggestions for How to Manage Stress: - Draw names and exchange gifts with just one other adult or exchange gifts family to family instead of buying for everyone.
Keep a limit or range on the dollar amount you will spend.
Keep the name you drew a secret! - Write a story - as a secret exchange -- write a serious or funny story about another instead of exchanging gifts - and read it aloud on Christmas.
This will greatly boost someone's self-esteem - What a gift! - Buy gifts for the children only - Adults -- just appreciate each others company.
- Make a gift instead of buying it.
Avoid the malls, traffic, stress, etc.
- Don't over do it by cramming your day with a TO DO LIST.
X the to do list!! - Get out and do some exercise and be with yourself for a while...
climb a mountain, swim the ocean, walk around the block and stop to look at the moon and stars.
- Sleep -- Sleep deprivation causes stress on the body - The best hour of sleep is between 11pm and midnight.
- Other great ways to relieve stress -- take a breather and meditate for 10 minutes while lying down - or just take a cat nap for 10 minutes.
Remember to Breath.
Set your timer.
- If you feel so inclined, Pray, for forgiveness, for others, for yourself and your family -- "We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.
" --by Unknown.
Express Love & Gratitude every day -- for who and what you have in your life.
You and they are special and unique.
The people in your life are there for a reason - for your growth or their growth.
And allow yourself to have fun with family and friends!! Laugh a lot! Shine through! Just be you! Blessings to you and yours.
And may your New Year be filled with Health of "Mind, Body and Spirit by Faith"!