December wellness ideas are very much needed in a month filled with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and joyous celebrations. As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of the season, it’s crucial to prioritise our well-being, especially when it comes to nutrition.
Embracing a mindful and nourishing approach to December can set the tone for a healthier and happier start to the new year. Let’s explore some December wellness ideas with a strong focus on nutrition, incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your holiday festivities while ensuring balanced blood sugar levels and supporting immunity.
December Wellness Ideas
Seasonal and Colourful Delights
Embrace the seasonal bounty of the UK by incorporating vibrant fruits and vegetables into your December meals. Consider adding the following nutrient-rich options to your holiday spread. They are easily added as part of the traditional Christmas dinner but can be enjoyed at any time!
Carrots
Packed with the fat-soluble antioxidant beta-carotene, roast carrots with honey for a delightful Christmas side dish. They also promote eye health and provide a natural sweetness to your dishes. Add some fennel seeds to aid digestion, reducing cramps and bloating.
Brussel Sprouts
Rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, enhance their flavour by roasting with garlic for a festive twist. The fibre promotes digestive regularity, especially beneficial after indulging in rich holiday foods.
Red Cabbage
Braise in red wine, red cabbage gets its vibrant colour from anthocyanins, offering protection to blood vessels and helping support cardiovascular health.
Rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, enhance their flavour by roasting with garlic for a festive twist. The fibre promotes digestive regularity, especially beneficial after indulging in rich holiday foods.
Parsnips
Roast parsnips with other vegetables to enjoy their sweet and nutty flavour. Rich in vitamin C, parsnips double as prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides (FOS) in parsnips play a vital role in maintaining gut integrity, crucial for supporting immunity, so crucial at this time of year.
Hydration with a Twist
Stay hydrated with a touch of holiday flair by infusing your water with slices of seasonal citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint not only enhances the flavour but also provides additional antioxidants.
Citrus fruits, rich in vitamin C, support immunity. Stay well-nourished with citrus-infused water to help fortify your defences against seasonal illnesses.
Protein for Blood Sugar Balance
To maintain balanced blood sugar levels during the holiday season, ensure that your meals and snacks include ample protein sources. Turkey, a traditional Christmas favourite, is an excellent source of lean protein.
Choose snacks that combine protein with healthy fats and fibre. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and pumpkin seeds, make for convenient and nutritious snacks.
Gut Friendly Choices
Prioritise your gut health with probiotic-rich foods, essential for digestion, immunity, and well-being. Elevate your festive menu with the following options:
Natural Yoghurt
Enjoy it in a festive yoghurt parfait or as a base for a probiotic-packed dip with vegetable crudites.
Festive Dish Idea – Yogurt Parfait:
Layer natural yoghurt with seasonal berries, a sprinkle of nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a delicious and gut-friendly dessert or breakfast option.
Prebiotic Foods
Enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria with prebiotic-rich foods like roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Festive Dish Idea – Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
Elevate traditional mashed potatoes by roasting garlic and incorporating it into the mash. The prebiotic properties of garlic add flavour and gut-friendly benefits to this holiday classic.
Fermented Foods
Explore artisanal fermented foods like sauerkraut for a tangy addition to your holiday table.
Enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria with prebiotic-rich foods like roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Festive Dish Idea – Fermented Slaw:
Create a vibrant slaw using fermented vegetables like sauerkraut as a refreshing side dish for festive mains.
This December, let yoghurt-based parfaits, prebiotic-rich dishes, and fermented delights take centre stage.
December Wellness Ideas Set The Tone For The New Year
These December wellness ideas contribute to a healthier you and add a delightful twist to your festive celebrations.
Let the natural richness of fruits and vegetables take centre stage in your holiday meals. From vibrant carrots to antioxidant-rich Brussels sprouts, savour the flavours and nutritional benefits of the season. By including ample protein, such as turkey, nuts, and seeds, you can maintain balanced blood sugar levels and enjoy the festive season while nourishing your body with the best nature has to offer.
Here’s to a December filled with well-being, joy, and the wholesome goodness of seasonal delights!
Read what the British Heart Foundation have to say about enjoying Christmas food, drink and socialising without harming your heart!
My goal is to empower you to make simple yet impactful changes in your daily routine to live a healthier and happier life. Let’s start the New Year with purpose and determination.
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