Christmas is fast approaching, we thought what better time to share our tips and tricks to maintain a healthy lifestyle this time of year.

1. Refined Sugar Free baking

Here at Aloe Vera Dental Studio we are huge fans of ‘Refined Sugar Free’ Baking. You can still enjoy your favourite desserts over the holiday, just search for a recipe to follow that includes a few swaps.

For example: For me personally, Christmas is all about the cookies and biscuits. I found this refined sugar free recipe by searching on google.

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/refined-sugar-free-chocolate-chip-cookies/bUhZxHPD?r=recipes/refinedsugarfreerecipes&c=we3ipmep/Refined%20sugar%20free%20recipes

2. Avoid buying sugary, novelty Christmas snacks.

This one is aimed at all of us parents with younger children out there in particular. Instead, try getting creative with healthy, nutritional foods.

Pinterest has a wealth of healthy snack ideas for you to try.

If you do end up reaching for the quality street, try and limit it to mealtimes, and don’t graze throughout the day.

Christmas healthy snacks
Christmas themed healthy snack ideas

3. Swap or cut down on the chocolate or sweetie stocking fillers.

Instead, use that money to buy something useful, educational or creative. For me, there is no better gift than a good new book!

A new electric toothbrush also makes a fantastic gift.

4. Be mindful when choosing your drinks

We all know that excessive consumption of alcohol isn’t good for our overall health. We are also bombarded with ‘festive’ sugary drinks, mocktails, hot chocolates – The list goes on!

There are some great easy recipes for healthy hot chocolate;

Ingredients;

  • 3 cups milk – your choice of organic full cream, almond, coconut, or organic brown rice milk
  • 2 generous tablespoons cacao (excellent anti-inflammatory)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon maca powder (boosts energy, reduces blood pressure)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean extract
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar or stevia (optional)
  • pinch sea salt
  • pinch of ground ginger

METHOD

  1. Combine milk, cacao, cinnamon, maca, ginger, vanilla and sweetener if using into a small pot.
  2. Heat gently.
  3. Pour into 2 serving mugs and enjoy.
  4. Garnish with a stick of cinnamon and enjoy.

5. Exercise/ Movement

This time of year it’s so easy to just want to hibernate in the warmth of our cosy living room, in front of the TV. Its no wonder why we lack the motivation to get moving this time of year.

Exercise increases energy levels and increases serotonin in the brain which leads to improved mental clarity.

Make the time to go for a country walk, or take a long walk around your residential area to check out the Christmas lights. Perhaps a walk around a local Christmas market could be on the cards?

Even if the weather doesn’t permit, and you are stuck indoors, pop on a Christmas playlist, crank up the volume and dance around whilst doing your housework – its better than nothing 🙂

6. Start setting your New Years resolution now

Make it more achievable by setting up a plan of how you can reach your goal. Achieving goals is so rewarding and has such a positive affect.

For example, If my New Years resolution was ‘To look after my health more’ I might start with the basics by booking myself an eye test, a dental check-up and a fitness class for early in the New Year.

I may even sign up for a dental membership plan, and save myself some money at the same time (as well as encouraging myself to be a regular attender). https://www.aloeveradental.co.uk/adult-membership-plan/

Towards the end of the year, when my oral hygiene is looking good, I may treat myself to teeth whitening, a treatment that I’ve always wanted.

(This is purely my example of how you can set goals to help achieve something that is fairly vague. )

I hope you’ve enjoyed our tips and tricks on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, If you have any other ideas you’d like to share – We’d love to hear from you!