THE TOP 3 WAYS TO EAT HEALTHIER DURING THE HOLIDAYS

As the year comes to an end it’s easy to overindulge in everything! Holiday spending, eggnog, and especially FOOD! Ever wonder how to find balance between eating healthy and partaking in occasional fun foods? I’ve received quite a few questions from aspiring pro cheerleaders and dancers on how to eat healthy particularly around the holidays so let’s dive right in.

*Please note, I am not a dietitian or a nutritionist and this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

PART 3

THE TOP 3 WAYS TO EAT HEALTHIER DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Relax and Enjoy Your Food: Relax?!?! Who has time for that?? I know the notion sounds ridiculous, but this rule has completely changed the way I eat. How many times have you been eating while driving, looking at TV, scrolling through “the gram”, or even eating while working and suddenly you realize that your food is gone and you barely tasted it? This is a caloric set up and an enjoyment let down. Part of what satisfies us is the process of chewing and tasting our food (which is one reason juice fasting is so difficult). So savor every bite. Also, be aware that doing an activity that causes stress in the body (such as watching content that’s violent or upsetting) while eating could possibly interrupt proper digestion. SO RELAX!!

Eat More (Raw) Fruits and Veggies Everyday: You would be surprised at the changes you’d notice by simply replacing any snacks with raw fruits and veggies! The standard American diet (SAD diet) looks something like this: red meats processed and pre-packaged food, lots of butter, fat, sugar, and potatoes. In our Z Pro Prep® clinics we encourage our preppers to eat a few pieces of fruit and a few servings of (raw) veggies every single day. This includes foods such as apples, bananas, pears, oranges, cucumbers, carrots & celery (not doused in ranch dressing, but instead consider a vinaigrette), and sliced bell peppers. This does not include pre-packaged foods with tons of preservatives. Side note: veggie chips or protein powder with added greens DOES NOT count as your veggies for the day. Eat real whole food!

Wake Up and Drink Up: Leap out of bed every morning (which I know you already do because most of you are cheerleaders and dancers), brush your teeth, and drink 24-32oz of water! Not only will you get an instant jolt of energy, but in my experience you begin setting yourself up to drink water all day! Many people confuse the symptoms of mild dehydration with mild hunger. So get your drink on!

There you have it! Make these slight adjustments and see what a difference small change will make in your overall life as well as in your pro cheer and dance prep! Want even more advice? Contact Z Pro Prep® to train with us 1 on 1 or visit zProPrep.com to check out the Z Pro Prep® cheer/dance prep clinic nearest to you!

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Zakiya Alta Lee is a graduate of Florida State University with a BFA in dance and a minor in business. She is the CEO/Founder of Z Pro Prep® (a company that helps women realize their dreams of becoming pro cheerleaders/dancers). Z uplifts and encourages women to move boldly in pursuing their goals knowing "You Are Enough!"

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