Christmas is inching ever closer, and while many of us love it, planning a good celebration takes a fair bit of careful preparation. Sometimes, the list of things to buy and do can seem never-ending.
And the temptation to over-indulge in food and drink that may not be the most nutritious, and the suspension of routine so that we’re not, for example, going to the gym as usual, can make it feel like a pretty unhealthy time of year. The hours of daylight are also short, seriously affecting our ability to absorb enough Vitamin D and to get outside.
But there are things you can do to stay in good form over the festive season. These include:
- Eating well: You can still pack lots of fruit and vegetables into your diet, go for healthier options like wholemeal pasta, bread and rice, or cook with herbs and spices rather than salt. And just because lots of leftover chocolates or cheese are lying around, that doesn’t mean you have to snaffle them! If you’re at a party, you can always visit the buffet just once, skip pudding or take a smaller portion. (We know it’s easier said than done … )
When it comes to snacks, think dried fruit and nuts rather than reaching for the nearest tin of festive biscuits.
- Sleep well: The disrupted regime shouldn’t mean having to cut back on shut-eye. Aim for your usual seven or eight hours a night.
- Drink sensibly: Enjoy a festive tipple – but know your limits. Stay hydrated and alternate alcoholic beverages with water and soft drinks.
- Stay active: If they gym is shut, use the daylight hours to go for a walk instead.
- Plan ahead: Avoid living off salty snacks by planning ahead and incorporating some healthy meals into the holiday, alternating the evenings of takeaways or sandwiches in front of the TV (and we all need one or two of those) with something more nutritious.
It also pays to be organised with your shopping, and to stock up on everything you need ahead of the break. And if you go online, you can save time, and make your purchases whenever and wherever it suit you.
Your Christmas sorted with Ganesha Wholefoods
At Ganesha Wholefoods, we’re a family-run business that’s been going for the past four and a half decades. And, as well as our three physical Devon stores (in Axminster, Sidmouth and Honiton), we have an online shop selling many of the things you need for a healthy, smooth-running Christmas that also throws in a few treats!
- Dried fruit to die for
From prunes and figs to sultanas, apricots, raisins, mango strips and more, we’ve got all the dried fruit you can think of and maybe even a few items you wouldn’t immediately think of, such as sour cherries and goji berries.
- Go nuts!
Another good substitute for a few chocs is a handful of nuts. Not only can they help you feel full while eating less, they’re also a great source of protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Again, we’ve got an extensive line-up of fresh-tasting, quality goods, including cashews, hazelnuts, almonds and pecans plus macadamia and Brazil nuts. We also have some yoghurt and carob-coated versions for an extra-festive treat.
Check out our full range of indulgent snacks, including delights like trail mix, curry rice crackers, dark-chocolate coffee beans and yoghurt-covered ginger.
- Enjoy a festive breakfast
With less pressure to get to work or school, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast over the holiday. Again we’re here for you, with products like our Grumpy Mule Honduran organic coffee or Manuka honey, plus a range of flavour-packed juices which, by the way, are equally great for replacing all or some alcoholic drinks.
We also have cereals, bread, including millet and rye loaves, plus a range of flours if you prefer to make your own baked goods.
Check out our full range of wholefoods here.
When it’s all over, you’ll want to do a thorough clean, or you may want to stay on top of things during the holiday, or tidy up ahead of guests’ arrival. We offer all the cleaning products you need, all of them 100% natural and environmentally friendly.
We’ve also got vitamins and mineral supplements to keep you healthy this winter, as well as aromatherapy products to provide moments of calm at what can be a hectic time of year. Finally, at the end of a busy day, you can unwind with a delicious herbal tea from Pukka to de-stress and help you enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Stock up now so you’re ready before the holiday starts, and can then focus on enjoying quality time with those closest to you. We offer prompt delivery and free shipping on orders worth over £40.
Just drop us a line if you have any questions about any of our products, and we’ll be glad to help.