Let's Talk Turkey on How To Handle Holiday Hangovers
A little wine is fine, and don't dread bread -- but too much could be trouble.
For the next few weeks I thought it would be fitting to share some of my Body By Zanotti premium content with you. I will be creating some subscription based and premium content for you guys as well, but thought you would enjoy this to help get you through the holidays!
The holidays are underway! I love finding reasons for celebration -- and now it feels especially important! Of course, for so many of us, the season means a little extra celebratory eating and drinking. Who doesn't love a decadent dessert or extra glass of holiday cheer? But as you've started to recognize what it feels like to be eating healthier, exercising and treating yourself better, you probably also notice that you really feel the consequences of that treat-and-cheat eating the next day. The headache, bloating, and general discomfort you used to write off as being normal are now noticeable because you're learning what it feels like to really feel good! Now, I'm not going to suggest we make kale smoothies for Christmas dinner, but I do want to discuss ways to enjoy the holidays without putting yourself in a daze the next day!
Calm Mind
The physical and mental effects of what we eat are impossible to ignore. From something as obvious as a cup of coffee, which can get your brain in gear, to a cup of spiked holiday punch, which can put us in a mellow mindset -- or sometimes a little less inhibited if we're not careful! In the same way, too much refined sugar, which comes in the form of white flour (think bread, pasta, dessert, alcohol etc.) can give us a sugar high that can create a serious buzz. The problem, of course, is the inevitable crash, which leaves our minds feeling foggy in the same way our bodies can feel bloated. If you're not used to eating that way because you've been on a healthier kick, you're going to notice how you feel, believe me! Well, don't punish yourself if you celebrate a bit too much. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, getting lots of rest, and keeping up with your exercise routines! And if you indulge, don't stress! Your body will get back to normal after about three good meals -- so enjoy the season but seek that balance!
Healthy Body
This week, I want to share one of my favorite healthy twists on a holiday classic -- my Bangin' BBZ Hot Chocolate! There's nothing better than a comforting mug on a cold day. It's a ton healthier than any of that powdered stuff you just mix with water, and it's so much more satisfying!
Here's how you do it: First, get a quarter cup of dark chocolate chips; I love the Ghirardelli 60 percent bittersweet chips. Dark chocolate, you probably know, has some seriously healthy qualities. It's loaded with antioxidants, stimulates blood flow, and is a good source of magnesium, iron, and copper! Be sure to chop the chips up a bit. It helps them melt! Next, heat a cup of sugar-free almond or oat milk in a saucepan -- I find oat milk a touch creamier. Both are great sources of good protein! When the milk starts to steam, add the chopped chocolate chips and whisk continuously until everything is smooth. Bam! Delicious hot chocolate with a fraction of the sugar, and lots that's actually good for you! If you want, give it a classic touch with a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some cayenne pepper for a spicy holiday kick!
Strong Spirit
There's one major emotion we can feel when we have made a commitment to take better care of ourselves -- guilt! It's something that will silently sneak up on us if we think we've "slipped" by eating something bad or skipping a workout. Sitting in guilt is a surefire way to kill your morale, especially when you've been really happy with your personal progress. Well, I'm telling you to show guilt the door. You're working hard, doing great, and the holidays are loaded with temptation and stress. If you cave in a little bit, it's no big deal! You forgive yourself and get back on track with your next meal or workout! Just don't let a little bit of guilt derail your mindset. Changing your lifestyle for the better takes patience and time, and we all experience our share of slips -- it's what makes us human. What you shouldn't do is judge yourself and feel guilty. You know how good it feels to feel good, so enjoy the occasional cheat or treat, remind yourself that that is not what you do on a daily basis, and get right back to going after the best version of you there is!