With the holiday season in full swing, it is important to have a healthy balance when indulging with friends and family. In addition to sleep and hydration, keeping your body nourished is the key to maintaining a healthy immune system and staying energized for the festivities.
We called upon our neighbor, Hannah George, owner of the Vermont Juice Company, for some tips on surviving the holidays.
Q: Hannah, what are the most important things to do to maintain a healthy immune system this holiday season?
"Stay hydrated. I aim to drink at least half my body weight in fluids. I like to keep a giant water bottle with me at all times so the water is accessible throughout my travels, weather in the car or airplane."
"Sleep is important. Make sure to stay rested before and during your trip. Try your best to stay on a consistent sleep schedule.
"Gut Health. A healthy gut is key for overall health. Incorporating probiotics and fiber into your diet is a great way to regulate your digestive tract. This is especially helpful in avoiding bloat while flying or traveling in general. Another thing that has helped me is to take activated charcoal with me in my travels. It can remove toxins from the digestive tract"
"Sunshine. Get some natural sunlight for at least 10-20 mins each day to help boost your vitamin D intake and stay healthy"
"Exercise. Get in at least 20 mins of movement each day. This will keep your energy up, help with circulation, and prevent exhaustion. If you’re traveling, make a point to stop and stretch, or walk around on the plane if you can."
"Proper nutrition. Stay away from processed foods, consume nutrient dense, plant-based foods such as veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds. One of my favorite travel snacks is to make my own "trail mix" with nuts and seeds, and dried fruit."
"Immune system boosters. My favorite way to keep my immune system strong if I know I will be traveling (and just in general) is to incorporate superfoods such as ginger, turmeric, lemon, raw apple cider vinegar, raw local honey, elderberry syrup, and green juices."
Immune-Boosting Elixir Recipe:
Ingredients: Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, Lemon, Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
"Crush up some ginger, turmeric, and garlic, and let it steep in a mug of hot water for several minutes. Strain it. Add lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar, and you’ve got a powerful immune-boosting elixir!"
Q: Any advice for caring for your skin?
"Your skin is a protective barrier to your body. It’s important to take care of it: moisturize and maintain hydration. Air travel, especially in the winter tends to dry out my skin. I love keeping the Ogee Jojoba Hydration Day Cream and Jojoba Glow Face Oil easily accessible in my purse or carry-on!"
"Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy gut is so important for healthy skin. Getting your hydration from nutritious juices is an added bonus."
"Wash your hands. Germs are everywhere, especially at an airport or on an airplane. I was my hands religiously while traveling. I also bring along a non-toxic, all natural hand sanitizer spray or wipes, and try to avoid touching things before I wipe them down (ie. airplane tray table, arm rests, etc.)." Try our Gentle Glow Cleansing Cloths.
Q: What are your favorite items at Vermont Juice Company that help to battle exhaustion and dehydration?
"Great question! We have so many healthy superfood products that help with nutrition, hydration, and boosting your immune system!
My go-to preventatives or remedies are our juices because they are packed with a couple pounds of fresh veggies and fruits, and are quickly and easily digested and absorbed by the body for nutrient-rich hydration and energy.
"My favorites are 'Greens to the Extreme' and 'The Lake Monster', or our turmeric-lemon-ginger-orange juice called 'Beta Burst.' I also love our potent 2oz ginger-lemon 'Wellness Shot' which are great on their own or added to juice, warm water, or tea. We also have a variety of smoothies, bowls, superfood add-ins, plant-based meals and snacks!"
"Another great way to rebound from the holidays is to treat your body to a juice cleanse where you consume solely fresh, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices for a duration of 1-5 days. This helps reboot your immune system, inundates your body with readily absorbed nutrients, helps curb cravings and gets you back on track toward a healthier lifestyle."
*All images provided by Vermont Juice Company.