With the holiday season in full swing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by endless parties, festive treats, and packed schedules. Maintaining your health during this time can seem frustratingly difficult, but naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition consultant Humaira Quraishi, ND, MS, is here to help.
Naturopathic medicine offers a sensible, natural, well-rounded approach to health and wellness. In our offices in Fort Lee and Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Dr. Quraishi and our caring team offer expert guidance to help you navigate your health goals year-round, including during this season of indulgence.
You don’t have to give up on celebration — it’s about balance and making mindful choices. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can stay energized, manage stress, and keep your immune system strong. The following tips can help empower you to enjoy the holidays without risking your well-being or feeling deprived.
Fill your plate with whole foods, including lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, to maintain steady energy levels. We understand that every meal might not be perfect during the holidays, but when you focus on whole foods as the core of your eating plan, you’ll do well.
Dr. Quraishi recommends a personalized meal plan for you. A common naturopathic approach includes half veggies, one-quarter grains, and one-quarter dairy or meat products. Organic, free-range foods are always preferred. Natural is best.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and offers the side benefit of curbing your urge to indulge in all those sweet and salty snacks that abound during the holidays.
It’s OK to indulge occasionally, but do so mindfully. Choose one or two of your favorite holiday indulgences to enjoy during the season. For example, if you just can’t imagine missing out on mom’s homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream, you don’t have to!
Just avoid trying everything out there. Sugary, starchy, salty, and fatty foods tend to drag your mind and body down, so be sure to avoid overloading.
Consider choosing a smaller plate to help control your portion sizes — swap out your dinner-size plate for a dessert plate. As you eat, take the time to fully chew each bite and enjoy it mindfully.
We understand how busy the holidays are, but often they don’t really involve a lot of useful physical activity. Fit time into each day for a brisk walk, yoga session, or another type of exercise you enjoy. Activity can help you stay energized and healthy through the season and beyond.
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits, but with some simple strategies, you can keep it under control.
Prioritize relaxation and don’t skimp on “you time.” Be confident and set boundaries during the holidays. If you need to skip a gathering or two to prioritize the things that matter most to you, give yourself permission to do so guilt-free.
If you start feeling overwhelmed, try deep breathing exercises. Studies show that mindful breathing techniques can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) as well as glucose levels.
If you need some support with whole-body health during the holidays and year-round, we’re here to help. Call our office or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment today.
