There’s so much to love about the holidays – big, delicious meals, friends and family are just a few of the festivities that make this bright and cheerful season so wonderful. Although this year is quite different from what we’re used to, it doesn’t mean that we still can’t create a warm and cozy atmosphere or indulge in the foods we’ve been waiting for all year.
While limiting yourself far too much isn’t what the holidays are all about, eating too much of the foods you know will sabotage your health isn’t wise either. We will share with you a few simple steps you can follow from our bakery West Vancouver, to make sure you feel your best in the days ahead.
Drink Plenty of Water
Holiday food is usually very high in sugar, fat and sodium which can make us feel lethargic and heavy. When combined with alcohol in the form of wine, liqueurs and cocktails, it can contribute to feeling unwell overall. Because water makes up 60% of the body’s total weight, it’s important that this ratio isn’t compromised. Stay hydrated before and after heavy meals and if you’re drinking alcohol, try having a glass of water in between cocktails.
Take Your Time
Eat mindfully and take your time to savour your favourite holiday dishes and flavours. Eating mindfully encompasses paying attention to the taste, texture, smell and flavour of the food you’re eating in order to truly enjoy it. This also helps you stop overeating. Because it takes anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you’re full, it’s important to eat slowly and take a short break before going for a second helping. Instead of going for a full second portion, you can have a snack from the appetizers or just a part of the main meal that you liked the most. Another great tip is to not approach dinner starving, but rather, keep yourself satisfied throughout the day to avoid those dinner binges.
Treat Yourself
There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to your favourite dessert, during your favourite time of year. After all, we wait for some of these foods all year before we get to enjoy them. Being healthy sometimes also means allowing yourself the foods you love, guilt-free. Have a favourite treat that you usually get store-bought? Try to cook it yourself or have your family make it. At Bisou, we also offer a rich selection of decadent sweets and savoury pastries that you can be sure are crafted from the purest, highest quality ingredients.
Choose Healthy Alternatives
Swap more traditional recipes with healthier substitutes that will allow you to eat to your hearts’ content without feeling lethargic. For example, you can opt for dairy-free desserts that aren’t as heavy and full-fat or sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. Have a wide selection of salads and roasted veggies instead of heavy casseroles rich in milk, butter or cheese.
Stick to Your Health Routine
It’s easy to veer off our usual path during the holiday season and forget about our routines. We might begin to forget taking our vitamins, working out or keeping up with self-care. These are all important elements that enable our bodies to function at their best and our immunities to stay strong.
At Bisou, we’re like family, and every single one of our sweet and savoury treats are made by hand, crafted from the highest quality ingredients. Whether you need catering help for an event or would just like to drop by our bakery West Vancouver and taste what we have in store, please don’t hesitate to reach out and pay us a visit.
