The holiday season is upon us and with that comes many challenges to our health and our skin! The cookies abound, the cakes entice, the champagne flows, the eggnog beckons and the over indulging commences.

How can you maintain your health and protect your skin from the ravages of sugar during this time without depriving yourself? We’ve come up with a few simple ways to help you through the holiday.

1. No matter how much water you drink – drink more. Add slices of lemon, pieces of fresh ginger, and parsley. This will hydrate your skin and these additions will help to detox your liver.

2. Eat more dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and brussel sprouts in their raw form (to retain nutrients and get them in their purest most untarnished form). Try and eat at least one salad a day. This will help your system process the additional sugar from all the sweet treats that you are eating.

3. Try and balance the sugars in both wine, champagne, and the sweets that you are consuming. We suggest swapping the wine and champagne for a white liquor such as tequila, vodka or gin. These alcohols have virtually no sugar but they still allow you to enjoy a holiday cocktail. Stay away from sugary syrups and opt for either club soda with some citrus or on the rocks.

4. Bump up your protein and fiber consumption. One of the downsides of too much sugar consumption is that it begets more sugar consumption. By consuming more fiber and protein you will feel full longer and not be as likely to eat too many Christmas cookies.

5. Keep moving – even if its an additional ten minutes a day that will keep your metabolism up. After a big meal, go for a stroll to help get your blood flowing and your digestive system working.

6. Keep simple carbs to a minimum. Yes, indulge in some pasta but be mindful of too many carbs in one day. Eat complex cabs such as oatmeal, quinoa, or sweet potato to maintain a full feeling.

7. And finally, drink more water