Discover Cal-a-Vie Health Spa’s 12 Ways to Wellness

It’s common knowledge that the holiday season is a time to indulge. Despite doing my best to keep my calorie counts in check, it’s not easy with numerous celebratory cocktail parties and co-workers bearing a limitless supply of cupcakes and cookies. Fortunately, registered nutritionist Linda Illingworth and executive chef Jason Graham of Cal-a-Vie Health Spa (Vista, CA) have teamed up to share 12 Ways to Wellness, helpful holiday tips that serve as a seasonal survival guide.

• Skip the caffeine and start your day with hot water and a lemon wedge to flush out unwanted toxins.

• Be kind to your mind by stretching your body five minutes each day.

• Take the candy out of your cane and use natural agave syrup instead.

• Trim down your eggnog this year with almond or vanilla soy milk.

• Don’t be a glutton—choose gluten free.

• Hydrate with coconut water and boost your electrolytes at the same time.

• Better to butter with Earth Balance or Smart Balance.

• Serve your guests frozen raisins—they taste like caramels.

• Go green and fill your plate with leafy greens.

• Bake your cookies with rice flour or whole wheat pastry flour.

• Keep your cheese for the camera and save loads of calories.

• Craving ice cream? Freeze a banana. It’s yummy and full of potassium.