Ah, the holidays, a time to drape ourselves in cozy sweaters, indulge in comfort foods, and lounge around watching movies or shopping online. Sound familiar?

While it’s tempting to let loose with our wellness routines in this home stretch before New Year’s resolutions kick in, there is a more balanced way to enjoy the relaxation of the holidays while staying healthfully nourished, too. By simply tapping in to your underlying cravings for rest, connection, getting grounded, and the sweetness of life, you’ll find yourself rejuvenated in a whole new way that won’t leave you regretting your indulgences!

At Integrative Nutrition we call this primary food, the fulfillment of your mind and body’s needs in all the ways beyond simply what you eat. Primary food includes things like relationships, spirituality, fitness, career, and all the things that make us happy. The holidays are the perfect time to get a healthy dose.

Make this year different; indulge in primary food instead of cookies!

Here are 3 ways how:

1. Truly engage with your family.

Spend time catching up with your loved ones, even the family members you’re not generally very close to. This can involve staying present with group activities if you’d normally retreat on your own, recommending a fun new activity for everyone to do together, and simply being there with an open heart to connect on a deeper level. You never know when a little extra love could transform your relationship or make someone else more joyful!

2. Nourish your body.

If your energy is depleted from months of stress, this is a great time to recharge your mental and physical batteries. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and have at least 20 minutes of some physical activity every day. These 3 things alone can greatly reduce unhealthy cravings stemming from exhaustion or dehydration.

3. Detox from technology.

When you’re not preoccupied with what’s happening in the virtual world, you’re much more likely to pay attention to the real one! There will be plenty of time for work, social media, and your favorite blogs after the holidays, but in the meantime lift your head from the screen and see what you’ve been missing. Play some board games, get lost in a book, take long walks, or cook an elaborate healthy dessert. Life can be so juicy when you experience being unplugged.

The great thing about primary food, and Integrative Nutrition's approach to holistic wellness, is that there are no strict rules that apply to everyone. It’s all about moderation and satisfying your core desires. When you do that, it’s not such a bad thing to enjoy a few cocktails or a second helping of your mom’s apple pie.

How will you indulge in primary food this holiday season? Tell us in the comments below!