By Leah Williamson
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Autoimmune Paleo Coach, Host of the Low Carb Conversations podcast, a real food advocate, and the founder of Brisbane Paleo Group
The long end of year break, and the celebrations and gatherings that go along with this time of season, give us precious time with family, friends, co-workers and colleagues. It’s about relaxing, socialising and taking a well-deserved break, but it does not mean you need to take a break from your healthy lifestyle!
Being prepared and having a plan will certainly put you on the path to a healthy outcome. But how do you do this?
Here are some top tips on navigating your social situations:
When eating out or with friends or family pick the healthiest choice available to ensure you are getting your nutrients. Look for delicious proteins, salads and veggies. Fill your plate and then move away from the food once you are full.
Plan ahead and avoid overwhelm. If you are unsure of available choices offer to bring a plate. It is a great way to show off new cooking skills or recipe that might lead to an information session for friends and family. Taking some Lewis & Son small goods is always a treat. Their rubbish- free, grass fed, kabana and salami is always a crowd pleaser. Check out the recipe section for some ideas. They have a special No L Pickle, just in time for the holiday season. This raw, wild fermented cucumber in traditional holiday spices will tickle your taste buds and settle your tummy, when you have had a little too much… https://www.lewisandson.com.au/ferments/no-l-pickled-cucumbers
Give notice to your host a head of time of your dietary requirements. The important aspect of any holiday is being together rather than being centered on the food.
Don’t forget to get some movement in – head to the hills and take the family for a bushwalk, get out the bicycle, head to the beach and enjoy some simple movement, especially after a heavy meal. Gentle, post-dinner walks around the block are under-rated!
While your meals might take you away from your regular eating pattern it does not mean you should settle for poor food choices. But hey, no judgement if you want to enjoy a little something that makes your heart and tongue sing. No food militia here. If you do over indulge a bit on chocolate or other sweet goodies, then we want you to enjoy and live without the guilt.
Here are some tips to help you get back on track:
Ensure you have a plan– like signing up one of my 5 Week Special Programs (see my website below) which has a sugar detox built in to help motivate and inspire you back into the kitchen and back into your healthy lifestyle.
You might find that a disruption to your normal eating might cause some disruption to your digestive system – have some handy Lewis & Son Sauerkraut, wild fermented pickles, like any in the Lewis & Son range. Try the new, limited edition No L Pickles! Eat some with each meal to help colonise the good bacteria in your gut.
Sip on some bone broth like the Meadow & Marrow range. Full of nutrient dense goodness to warm the belly and boost the immune system to have you feeling your healthiest over the holiday period. Check out the new line, especially the AM Cleanse.
Social interactions with friends and family are such an important aspect to health, along with things like good nutrition, sunshine, movement and sleep. So just because you might not be able to eat all the foods, does not mean you should miss out on the interaction – the fun is not only in enjoying healthy food, but in the interactions with people you meet and have loved for years.
From our Family at Lewis & Son to Yours, Happy Holidays and all the best for a joyful New Year!
About Leah Williamson
Leah Williamson is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Associate Instructor for the Nutritional Therapy Association, Autoimmune Paleo Certified Coach, RESTART Instructor, a REAL FOOD Advocate and the Founder of Brisbane Paleo Group. She also hosts a popular podcast – Low Carb Conversations which aims to look objectively at the latest news health headlines. She sees clients online and in person, one on one and small group programs. She has been part of the Lewis & Son Family for many years and supports our efforts to bring you the latest, most up to date information on gut health and wellness.
You can find out more at www.nourishingconversations.com