As the holiday season approaches, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, and attending gatherings. With all the stress and indulgence that comes with this time of year, it’s important to prioritize our health and wellbeing. That’s why world-renowned cardiologist, Dr. Steven Gundry, sat down with ET to share his celebrity-approved wellness hacks for the holiday season.
Dr. Gundry, a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of the Center for Restorative Medicine, has made it his mission to help people achieve optimal health and vitality through his innovative approach to nutrition and wellness. His work has been praised by celebrities such as Kelly Clarkson, Tony Robbins, and Gwyneth Paltrow, and now he’s sharing his secrets with us.
One of Dr. Gundry’s top tips for staying healthy during the holidays is to focus on incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. He explains that our bodies are designed to thrive on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and by increasing our intake of these foods, we can improve our overall health and wellbeing. This can be as simple as adding a side of roasted vegetables to your holiday dinner or swapping out a traditional dessert for a fruit-based option.
In addition to incorporating more plant-based foods, Dr. Gundry also recommends paying attention to the quality of the foods we consume. He advises choosing organic, non-GMO options whenever possible and avoiding processed and packaged foods that are full of harmful additives and preservatives. By nourishing our bodies with high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, we can boost our energy levels, improve our immune system, and maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Gundry also emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, especially during the holiday season when we may be consuming more alcohol and sugary beverages. He recommends starting your day with a glass of water and carrying a refillable water bottle with you to ensure you’re drinking enough throughout the day. Proper hydration can help with digestion, detoxification, and overall cellular function, making it a crucial aspect of our health.
Another wellness hack of Dr. Gundry’s is to prioritize getting enough sleep. With all the holiday parties and events, it can be easy to sacrifice our sleep, but this can have a negative impact on our health. Dr. Gundry recommends aiming for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow our bodies to rest and recharge. This will not only help us feel more energized and focused during the day but also support our immune system and hormone balance.
While we may have the best intentions when it comes to our diet and sleep, the holiday season can be a stressful time for many. Dr. Gundry suggests incorporating stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into our daily routine. These activities can help us relax and unwind, reducing the negative effects of stress on our bodies.
Dr. Gundry also addresses the issue of overindulging during the holidays. He encourages us to be mindful of our portion sizes and to listen to our bodies’ cues of fullness. He also recommends incorporating intermittent fasting into our routine, where we restrict our eating window to a certain number of hours each day, allowing our bodies to have a break from constantly digesting food. This can help with weight management and overall health.
Finally, Dr. Gundry reminds us to be kind to ourselves during the holiday season. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to stick to a strict diet or exercise routine, but he encourages us to enjoy the festivities and not beat ourselves up over any slip-ups. He reminds us that the key to a healthy lifestyle is balance, not perfection.
In conclusion, as we enter into the holiday season, let’s take a page from Dr. Gundry’s book and prioritize our health and wellbeing. By incorporating more plant-based foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and being mindful of our eating habits, we can not only survive the holidays but thrive during them. So let’s raise a glass of water to Dr. Gundry’s celebrity-approved wellness hacks and have a happy and healthy holiday season.
