The holidays are a time of indulgence, with delicious food and festive drinks aplenty. However, it’s important to remember that our bodies still need essential nutrients to stay healthy and thrive during this season.

In this article, we will explore four essential nutrients to help you survive the holidays so that you can enjoy the festivities without feeling rundown or unwell.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in keeping our immune system healthy. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.

During the holidays, when we are exposed to a lot of germs from family gatherings and holiday shopping, it’s especially important to keep our immune system strong.

You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and clementines, as well as from dark leafy greens like kale and spinach. Broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes are also good sources of vitamin C.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and energy metabolism.

It can also help to reduce stress and improve sleep, both of which are important during the holidays when our schedules are often packed with activities.

You can get magnesium from foods like nuts and seeds, leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard, and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. If you find it difficult to get enough magnesium from your diet, a supplement may be helpful.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that are important for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body.

During the holidays, we may be consuming more processed and high-fat foods than usual, so it’s important to make sure we are also getting enough omega-3s to counteract any negative effects on our health.

You can get omega-3s from fatty fish like salmon and tuna, as well as from nuts and seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. If you don’t eat fish or have trouble getting enough omega-3s from your diet, a supplement can be a good option.

4. B Vitamins

B vitamins are a group of nutrients that are important for energy production, brain function, and cell metabolism. They are also important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

During the holidays, when we may be busy and stressed, it’s important to make sure we are getting enough B vitamins to support our bodies.

You can get B vitamins from foods like leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and animal products like meat, fish, and dairy.

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you may need to take a B12 supplement to make sure you are getting enough of this important vitamin.

Conclusion

The holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, but they can also be stressful and take a toll on our health.

By making sure we are getting enough of these essential nutrients – vitamin C, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins – we can support our bodies and stay healthy and energized throughout the season.