I hope you’ll put yourself on the list as you prepare for guests and gift-giving. 

Here are my best tips to help you have an enjoyable holiday season.

Drink your water.  As the temperature drops, so does our thirst.  Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling.  Keep a water bottle with you as a reminder.  Most airports now have filtered water stations, saving you money on buying bottled water.  Initial signs of dehydration can be headaches, brain fog, and irritability.

Food before alcohol.  I love a glass of champagne, but as a midlife woman, I always prioritize protein, healthy fat, and veggies before alcohol.  Be sure to drink enough water as alcohol is dehydrating.

Eat your protein.  Protein is a satiating nutrient.  It helps you feel full, which will help manage your sugar cravings.  Start your day with a healthy breakfast that has plenty of protein.  Skip the pastries and order four egg white bites at Starbucks for a quick breakfast.  This is 24 grams of protein.  Bring an apple with you, and you have a healthy breakfast to stabilize your blood sugar.  You’ll have more mental bandwidth to manage holiday stress.

Walking fixes most things.  There’s nothing a good walk can’t help improve.  Your joints will thank you, and you’ll get a mood boost.  If you can walk after a meal, it’s even better since it helps to balance your blood sugar.  Get steps at the airport rather than sit while waiting for your flight.  I racked up 6,000 steps before take-off last month.

Take a deep breath. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or triggered.