Holiday Survival Guide
- Eat regular meals – If you skip meals in anticipation of a holiday feast, you’ll be starving when you do eat and are likely to eat much too much.
- Drink plenty of water – It will keep you hydrated. Sometimes, we think we are hungry when what we really need is water.
- Get fresh air – If you’re at an event and the smells get to be too much, step outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air.
- Have a plan – If you are sensitive to fragrances, chemicals, or certain foods, having a plan will help you get through the holidays without feeling sick.
- Avoid Crowds – This one can be hard, especially if you have shopping to do. Try shopping at non-peak times. Avoid weekend shopping. Perhaps you can take a day off work to shop. In my experience, mornings are the best times. Be there when the stores open.
- Watch Where You Shop – You probably already know this, but it bears repeating. There are shops & stores that I refuse to go in because they have too many smells. Especially bad are the places that have chosen to ‘brand’ their location with a unique scent. I avoid these at all costs!
- Plan Your Hair/Nail Appointments – If you’re sensitivity to the chemicals used in salons, then pick a time when they’re less busy. The shop I go to is closed Sunday & Monday. So I usually go early Tuesday morning.
- Be Careful What You Eat – There are lots of parties this time of year, plus more dining out. If you have sensitivities or allergies, this can be dangerous. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the food. If you’re unsure, sometimes the best bet is to not eat it.
- Beware the Potluck – I used to love pot luck dinners. It was an opportunity to try new dishes. Now, not so much. I have to spend too much time asking questions, that aren’t always well received. I either don’t go or make sure I bring a casserole that can be my meal, if need be.
- Beware the Greenery – Christmas trees, greenery, etc can be a real issue. For me, I am allergic to much of the real greenery and trees. And the artificial ones are often sprayed with a scent.
- Watch the alcohol consumption – For all the obvious reasons plus the added benefit that you’ll be better able to maintain your resolve to eat less.
- Eat a healthy snack before parties – That way, you won’t head to the food table immediately upon arrival.
- Make choices for your health – Don’t put your health at risk!
Thanks for stopping by. What’s your favorite holiday survival tip?
I love to cook. I’m also a health coach, a path I chose after going through a health crisis which taught me the importance of eating healthy meals. Now, I want to combine the two — health coaching and cooking — to help people learn to cook healthy meals. To plan healthy meals. And to eat healthy meals. For more, please visit Your Cooking Coach.
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