Each year when the holiday season comes, there is far more temptation around and keeping a healthy balance is damn difficult. Luckily we’ve got our nutritionist, Patti Smyth, R.H.N. on hand and we asked her for some suggestions.

She’s pictured above indulging at one of our fav spots, Cuchillo! 

Have a healthy and happy holiday season!

From Patti:

Tis the season to be jolly, social, busy, generous and maybe a little over indulgent.

And why not?  You’ve worked hard all year, its time to connect with old friends, celebrate with colleagues and share a meal or two with extended family.

But how do we embrace the seasonal festivities, and maintain some semblance of our health goals?

Here are my top 5 tried and true strategies:

1. Eat before you go. Have a good quality snack with fibre and lean protein (ie. left-over chicken on lettuce with sesame seeds and sesame oil).  This will provide a nourishing foundation on which to enjoy the appie table and since you won’t arrive hungry, you will indulge in moderation.
2. Embrace your control issues:
   1. Bring a dish to the party (if appropriate) that is within your current food choices and make it the majority of your plate
   2. When not at a social event, maintain healthy choices
      1. Focus on a plant based, lean protein meal plan.
      2. Continue to maintain 7 servings of vegetables and 2 fruits each day

• Drink lots of water to rehydrate from the night before and/or prepare for the event to come AND
• Take your multi vit daily, it’s also flu season

3. Survey the landscape, proceed slowly and with caution
   1. Upon arrival, ses out the bar and food situation.
   2. Start with a bubbly water as you make a plan.
   3. Let your Plus 1 know your plan so they can support you
   4. Mingle and socialize away from the buffet (at least 2 arm lengths to prevent snitching)
   5. Move that super sexy body of yours. It’s more than a vessel, it’s a gift and living on the West Coast, we are so fortunate to be able to get outside everyday.
4. Move that super sexy body of yours. It’s more than a vessel, it’s a gift and living on the West Coast, we are so fortunate to be able to get outside everyday.
   1. Power walk at lunch
   2. Skip rope in the basement
   3. Use resistance bands in the office
   4. There are yoga options for everyone everywhere
5. From “CHEERS!” to “I LOVE YOU MAN”
   1. Have a plan
   2. Alternate glasses of water with wine. Jesus did it, you can too.
   3. Be the DD (aka designated driver) at least once.
   4. Add ice to a glass of wine (sommeliers close your eyes and ears)
   5. Savour hard bar neat or with water

Celebration and libation with friends and family (natural or chosen) is a vital ingredient to aging gracefully and total health.

The Holiday Season is a wonderful opportunity for togetherness and breaking bread, nourishing the soul and fueling your ability to thrive.

Enjoy and appreciate all that the Holiday Season brings you.

Patti Smyth, R.H.N.

Patti Smyth has always loved food…good food.

Patti’s appreciation of food deepened as she accompanied her mother to countless doctors visits and cancer treatments.  Through that experience she realized that the food we eat and lifestyle we choose is our very best defense against disease, chronic pain and fatigue.

Patti abandoned her successful 22-year career at Vancity and immersed herself in studies at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition where she learned all about food – how best to prepare it and what it does inside the body. This new knowledge reinforced what she already knew intuitively; that food fuels, heals and nourishes the body. And as her knowledge grew, so did a deep-seeded passion to share it.

Having been a single, working mother for years, Patti understands hectic schedules and tight budgets, and knows first-hand the challenge of finding the time and energy to put yourself, and your health first. Patti helps you do just that; understand your choices and implement the right plan to live a full and vibrant life for life.

Patti Smyth is a registered holistic nutritionist and passionate outdoor enthusiast. She is on the team at Vital Health Medical and Wellness Clinic, a Sun Run leader and Treasurer of the Successful Women Always Network through which she supports the North Shore Women’s Shelter.