Aspen Club and Spa

Drink plenty of water.  

Water is a natural detoxifer. It helps counteract the dehydrating effects of travel or drinking alcoholic beverages and it amy also help satiate your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Avoid taking seconds.

Fill your plate once with the food you enjoy the most and then Stop! Eat slowly and enjoy the unique flavor of the holiday foods.

Bring a vegetable tray to parties.   

Use unusual festive vegetables like red, green, yellow and organge peppers, asparagus, snow peas and mushrooms along with the traditional favorites like carrots, celery, radishes etc. Then be your biggest fan and eat more of them than any of the high calorie snacks like chips and dips, cheese and crackers, pate’s desserts, cookies and candies. Use non fat yogurt in place of sour cream or salad dressing for a lighter dip.

Have just a few bites of your favorite dish or dessert. A small amount can be just as satisfying when you taste it mindfully.

Poistion yourself away from the food.

When you are at a party so you are not constantly tempted. Calories add up quickly. If you have a tendency to stand by the food table and just snack, you could find yourself eating 1,500 to 2,000 extra calories without realizing it and that won’t include the drinks or the full course meal to follow.

Bring a festive fruit basket.  

to parties or to work for everyone as an alternative to sweets and candy treats. If you feel obligated to try a friend’s homemade specialty, take a small bite of the treat and savor it. No need to eat the entire thing.

Try one day of fasting or detox per week.

during the Holidays to give your body a rest from food. Vegetable and fruit detox progrmas work the best.

Take time for yourself.  

Although spending time with friends and family is essential, it’s also important to set aside some time every day for yourself to relax. Try practicing deep breathing (Chi Gong) exercises when you feel stressed out.

Don’t set unrealistic goals.  

Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day instead of an hour. Enlist a friend to exercise with you. Walking and talking with a friend can be a great way to burn extra calories and reduce your stress level.

Use alcohol and caffeine in moderation.  

These substances will only create anxiety in the long run by adding to your feelings of stress and by depleting your nutrient base. Try drinking hot herbal teas instead of coffee and keep the number of alcoholic drinks to a minimum.

If you your stress level is high, supplement with extra B vitamins.

These nutrients help support the adrenal glands and reduce the effects of stress. B-vitamins convert food to energy and aid in relaxation. They can used in addition to your regular vitamin-mineral supplement during stressful times.

Listen to relaxing music.  

Studies prove that music can sooth the nerve4s and restore energy levels in the body. Try classical music to restore and relax your nervous system.