This holiday season put the focus on your health with help from your dietitians! In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, often neglecting ourselves while taking care of others. As a dietitian, I understand how challenging it can be to balance a healthy lifestyle with the high demands of your busy schedules. Self-care is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and pampering yourself can rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your overall health. In this article, I will guide you through different ways to prioritize self-care, ensuring you feel your best – both inside and out.
Pampering yourself starts with balanced nutrition! One key component of a nutrient-dense diet is fiber. Try incorporating fiber-rich items into your meals and snacks such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. During the busy holiday season consider packing on-the-go snack solutions such as Good Measure Bars to help you manage your blood sugar with 5 or fewer grams of net carbohydrates. These bars are perfect to pack in your purse or store in your office desk drawer for a deliciously simple snack option.
Another key component of a balanced diet is protein. Include lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, tofu, lean beef and beans in your diet to support muscle health and keep you feeling satisfied. Aside from meals, incorporate protein into your snacks with Catalina Crunch Snack Mixes. These mixes contain protein and fiber to help fill you up and keep you full longer and are a better option for stabilizing your blood sugar to help you avoid cravings. Plus, Catalina Crunch Snack Mixes contain iron to support healthy hair!
Incorporate healthy fats into your diet from sources such as avocados, fatty fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil. In addition to helping control inflammation and promoting heart health, they also aid in skin repair and regeneration. Try adding Blue Diamond Almonds to your next meal or snack. They are a source of healthy fats, protein, fiber and many vitamins and minerals including vitamin E and magnesium that aid in the health of our skin and nail strength.
After you have pampered yourself with a nourishing meal or snack, consider taking your self-care to the next level and show your skin some love! As the cold air starts to creep in this time of year, our skin starts to feel dry, scaly, rough or even flaky. CeraVe has a variety of moisturizing creams for the face and body. Each product is formulated with three essential ceramides that work to lock in skin’s moisture, which helps maintain our skin’s protective barrier.
Eating a balanced diet and taking care of your skin aren’t the only ways to pamper yourself – it’s time to prioritize your sleep routine. Getting quality sleep each night is essential for numerous aspects of our physical and mental well-being, as well as our overall health. Start by creating a sleep-friendly environment by limiting your screen time before bed and ensuring your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature. It’s equally important to establish a bedtime routine and stick to a sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. In order to get restful sleep be sure to avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals close to bedtime as they can interfere with your natural sleep cycle.
Once you’ve enjoyed a restful night’s sleep, it’s essential to kick-start your day with movement. Exercise is a powerful self-care tool that offers a wide range of benefits, from improving physical health to enhancing mental well-being. The recommended guideline for exercise is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. However, it’s important to tailor your exercise routine to fit your lifestyle, preferences and fitness level. For individuals with diabetes, exercise holds the same level of importance as diet and medication management. Physical activity plays a vital role in helping the body utilize insulin more effectively, enabling cells to absorb and use glucose for energy, thus helping lower blood sugar levels. Take control of your diabetes management with Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs). CGMs provide real-time data on your glucose levels and allow you to make informed decisions when it comes to blood sugar management.
Remember that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s an essential step toward a healthier and happier you. Start making self-care a priority and embrace the positive changes it can bring to your life!
Looking for a new recipe to try this holiday season? Pick up a can of Blue Diamond Almonds and bake this delicious sweet potato casserole recipe below!
Almond Sweet Potato Casserole
Serves 6
All you need:
- Casserole:
- 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cooked
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- Streusel crumble:
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 (6 oz) can Honey Roasted Almonds, chopped (saving several whole nuts to place on top of streusel crumble)
All you do:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with the butter, milk, cinnamon and salt until completely smooth.
- Make the crumble in a separate bowl. Mix together the butter, brown sugar and flour. Once crumbly, mix in the chopped almonds.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a casserole dish and cover with the crumble. Add several whole almonds on top and bake for 30-40 minutes or until hot and golden brown.
Recipe source: https://www.bluediamond.com/recipes/honey-blue-diamond-r-almond-sweet-potato-casserole/
This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.