Most likely you spent yesterday eating something rich and delicious. (Even the assistant editor went and had dim sum and made a ton of latkes.) And while you shouldn’t regret those cookies or that hot chocolate that was more cream than cocoa, you might. Here’s some advice on what we like to do to feel better after the holidays and to prep for the new year. We’d love to hear how you survive the winter feasting!
- Stock up on fresh fruits. It’s the season for citrus, and I know I tend to feel better after I’ve had something that’s not mainly cream-based. A broiled grapefruit is a delicious treat any time of year, and we’ve been known to stick a couple in the oven at a time for guests. Use raw, demerara, or even brown sugar instead of plain white so you’ll get molasses notes with that sharp sweetness. And if you can’t have your fruit without a little holiday cheer, you can always use fresh squeezed juice in your mimosas.
- Stay hydrated. While there are some amazing bars and places to get your hot toddy on, or you’re even if you’re home visiting relatives, keep water nearby. It’s bad enough with all the rain and ice in the colder states, but not drinking enough water is going to make you feel that much worse. We all tend to forget that it’s easy to get lightly dehydrated in the winter time, and it can lead to added stress.
- Go on a walk. It’s too easy to stay inside, by that warm fire or the oven full of baking bread, especially when it has been cold out for days. Go on a walk before 3 pm, check out your neighborhood decked out in lights, and you’ll be that much more ready for another feast. Besides, you might see your neighbors or learn something about your city.
- Enjoy the season. We spend so much time panicking about the holidays that we forget to actually sit back and enjoy them. This means you’re more likely to eat for the sake of eating, run around frantically, and worry. If you’re able to take at least some of it in and be present, it’s that much easier to feel good about the coming year. And sometimes things can change without warning, like ice blocking off the roads – roll with it as best you can. (I had that happen once, and we had tons of cookies we shared with our neighbors.)
We hope you’re all being safe out there! Share, enjoy, and spend time with your family this holiday season.