March 17th is the day we celebrate the man who drove the snakes from Ireland, St. Patrick. Most of us associate St. Patrick's Day with wearing green clothes, eating green food, and drinking green beer instead of snakes. St. Patrick'd Day is also, as you might guess, is one of the biggest drinking days of the year in the US. Not exactly a holiday associated with health and well being. However, just because it's a holiday were the celebrations are filled with green sweets and  green alcohol there is no reason you shouldn't feel your best while celebrating. 

Here at Schneider Family Chiropractic in Cascade our team has put together a few helpful tips to keep you feeling your best when you set out to paint the town green this weekend.

Get Moving

We all know that movement and exercise are essential components to good health. This St. Patrick's day consider adding some Irish flair to your workout routine. it could be as simple as wearing green workout clothes or listening to Irish music while you go for a run. You could even change up your whole routine and try your hand (or should I say feet?) at Irish dancing. YouTube has plenty of instructional videos that cover every level from beginner to seasoned dancer. 

Make healthy snacks.

Not all snacks are created equal especially snacks created for celebrating.  There are many ways to do this. You can keep it as  simple as swapping artificial green food dye for an all natural organic option. Or you can take it a step further for example If  you are making soda bread in honor of the day try baking a whole wheat version.  You could also channel your inner leprechaun by adding a rainbow veggie tray or rainbow fruit skewers to your snack table. 

This year you might consider swapping out that shamrock shake for a green smoothie.  Don't have a green smoothie recipe? Don't worry the internet has seemingly endless green smoothie recipe options to choose from. A personal favorite of mine is a combination of spinach, apple, banana, avocado, and cashew milk with a splash of pineapple juice. 

Stay Hydrated

If you are planning on  drinking this weekend remember to stay well hydrated. Especially if you intend on attending events like  Irish on Ionia in Grand Rapids . It's easy to get caught up in the festivities and fun while forgetting to drink enough water. Spending the day outside on your feet while not consuming enough water can really leave you feeling, well, awful. The worst part is that awful feeling can come on quite suddenly and ruin your good time. Don't let this happen to you this weekend. An easy way to ensure you stay hydrated is to have one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage. 

Visit your chiropractor

Spending quality time with friends and family is always a sure fire way to boost endorphins, making you feel your best. Did you know chiropractic adjustments can do this too? Seeing a chiropractor is a great way to feel your best this holiday . Chiropractic adjustments have many benefits beyond increasing endorphins, chiropractic care can also give your immune system a boost, which can really come in handy while immersed in the celebratory crowd. Stop in our Grand Rapids office on Cascade road and get your body aligned and feeling great before setting out to celebrate.