Cody and I are always traveling for holidays. Luckily, both of our families live in North East Ohio (Canton & Cleveland), so we don’t have too far to venture.
Even so, when you’re out of your normal routine and eating foods that aren’t typically in your diet, the body can tell the difference! Especially if you have a more sensitive body (like, me!), all the changes and added energy of the season can take a toll.
Think about all of the people who tend to get sick around the holidays … it’s no coincidence!
I’ve learned that it takes a little extra travel prep to make sure that I have all the items that will make me feel amazing while I am away. The holidays are all about being truly present with friends and family. Feeling tired, bloated, and anxious makes that kinda hard, right?!
Check out my favorite tips below to help you keep your calm during the holiday season.
Make your own smoothie
Your breakfast sets up your ENTIRE day! One of the biggest components of my coaching program is balancing your blood sugar and eating a healthy breakfast will do just that. Prioritizing quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber is KEY. It will help curb sugar cravings, keeps you full, eases anxiety, and provides you with energy. The easiest way to ensure you get a healthy breakfast while traveling is bringing your own smoothie supplies.
We like to use the magic bullet. It’s small and easy to transport anywhere. This years breakfast smoothie recipe is below, but you can also download my free breakfast template for more ideas 🙂
Blood Sugar Balancing Smoothie
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2 scoops Vital Proteins
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2 tbsps almond butter
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half an avocado
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a good handful of spinach
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scoop of hemp seeds
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1-2 cups almond milk
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a sprinkle of stevia if desired
Bring Magnesium
Magnesium is a great supplement to help relax and bring calm back to the body. I personally like to travel with my Natural Calm and drink a glass before bed. It isn’t the most absorbent form of magnesium (like magnesium glycinate is), but I love it! It also helps increase GABA levels helping you feel more at peace and reduces anxiety.
Travel with your probiotics
I never travel with out my trusty probiotics!! Our digestion is so sensitive and travel changes can definitely stir things up. Along travel, eating more sugary and inflammatory foods can wreak havoc on our gut microbiome. I like to make sure that I’m repopulating my gut with the good bacteria it needs.
My two favorites are Jarro-Dolphilus and Saccaromyces Boulardii.
Bring Bone Broth
You know I’m all about healing the gut! Bone Broth is a fantastic way to heal and protect the lining of the gut. Again, with travel and food changes … drinking a cup of bone broth is both soothing and helpful.
I like to have a cup while I wake up (kinda like coffee!). This brand is a great choice.
Find time to Meditate
Being from a big Italian family, I know how crazy the holidays can get!! Seeing so many people, running around like crazy … it’s important to remember to take time for YOU. You are literally absorbing the energy of EVERYBODY around you. Good and bad. Just remember – it isn’t selfish to take a moment to find some quiet. And it most definitely isn’t a weakness that you need a few minutes alone. I take a moment to grab my phone and headphones and head into a private room. Even 2-5 minutes can help recharge your energy and calm the body.
I just grab my phone and headphones, open up calming music on youtube, and close my eyes until I feel my body start to relax and unwind. This is one of my favorite guided meditations!
Youtube your favorite workouts
I try to prioritize moving my body everyday … even if it’s just stretching! When you’re consumed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, taking some time to tune-in and connect to the body is a must. It helps your mind feel more grounded and brings you back to the present moment. Here are a few of my favorite YouTube videos and most workouts are less than 30-minutes!
You matter
Above all else… it’s important to remember that prioritizing you this holiday season MATTERS.
I love that the holidays allows us the time and space to care and give to others. But, that doesn’t mean we have to give to the point of depleting ourselves.
I challenge you to take some time to think about what would make your mind/body feel really good this season. If nothing comes to you, try out some of the items on the list above and go from there 🙂
Happy holidays, loves…. I hope yours is filled with lots of love, peace, and calm!
xx,
Nina