Enjoy the holidays with peace of mind

Whether surrounded by loved ones or taking care of yourself, the holiday season is above all a time for sharing, conviviality, and pleasure. It offers the opportunity to savor small moments of joy and create beautiful memories.

In this newsletter, we offer you tips to experience this period with serenity. By combining indulgence, balance, and well-being, everyone can fully enjoy the holidays. Discover on the last page our “call to action” to create your health Advent calendar!

Enjoy without guilt

During holiday meals, the key is to enjoy these shared moments and savor the
dishes you like without guilt. Food pleasure is an integral and essential part of a
balanced life style.

In fact, our brain naturally associates food with pleasure through the activation of cerebral circuitslinked to reward and enjoyment. Eating is not only a physiological need, it is also a source of well being.

It is therefore important to incorporate pleasure into your diet not only during the
holidays, but also on a daily basis. To enjoy your meals with peace of mind, try to
avoid excess and pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Take the time to
savor each bite; it will also help you prevent digestive discomfort.

Finding balance on your plate

Even during a heavy meal, you can maintain a balanced diet and still enjoy the pleasure of eating by combining vegetables, proteins, starches, dairy, and fruits in the right proportions. Turkey, foie gras, yule log—these traditional dishes are part of the celebration, and there’s no need to deprive yourself.

Example of a balanced plate:

The key is to vary the side dishes by adding vegetables (gratin, salad…) to bring freshness and balance to the dish, while increasing fiber intake to promote satiety.

Sharing your meals

Sharing a meal is a true source of well-being. Studies show that regularly sharing meals brings many benefits, regardless of age, gender, or culture:

Drink water regularly

During the holidays as in daily life, proper hydration is essential to keep the body healthy. It is therefore important to include water in your holiday habits by making sure to drink regularly throughout the day. For a healthy adult, it is recommended to consume between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day.

Consume Alcohol in Moderation

Holiday meals are often accompanied by alcohol consumption. To make the most of it, it is important to drink alcohol in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption has negative health consequences.

You can also offer festive non-alcoholic alternatives, such as fresh fruit cocktails or flavored sparkling waters. This allows everyone to enjoy the atmosphere without excess.

Keep moving for your well-being

Even during the holidays, it is possible and important to stay active. Gentle physical activity with family, friends, or alone helps maintain energy and contributes to overall well-being. Moreover, this type of activity encourages social interaction and creats a friendly atmosphere where everyone, regardless of age, can experience and share joyful moments together

Simple ideas for games and activities to include in the festivities:

These fun moments strengthen social bonds while promoting movement. The idea is to integrate movement in an enjoyable and friendly way, to extend the pleasure of the holidays while taking care of your body.

For more ideas of physical activities, alone or in groups, to practice during the holidays,see the list of tipsin the “call to action.”

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Holidays are synonymous with joy, but they can sometimes generate stress: meal preparation, organizing visits, shopping, and social obligations. Taking a few moments for yourself helps you enjoy this period better.

Better manage stress:

By combining restorative sleep and simple stress management techniques, the holidays become more pleasant and less tiring, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment with your loved ones.

Conclusion

During this holiday season, it is essential to balance pleasure and equilibrium. Savor foods that truly please you, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s sensations to fully enjoy meals while avoiding excess.
Moving a little, staying well hydrated, and
consuming alcohol in moderation help preserve your health. Finally, taking a few moments for yourself allows you to fully savor this festive period.