HOLIDAYS are always a hard time to keep healthy, what with all the food and parties. But fear not, it?s still possible to have a little fun while keeping your health in check.

Just make sure you take in something good to combat all the sugar, fat and chemical-rich goodies this Christmas.

I?m not talking about pill popping all those anti-acids, fat burners and synthetic remedies. These products are full of chemicals that only cause more harm to your system than good.

Nature has always been the source of healing and nourishment, and the closer you are to nature (more organic, less chemical) the better for your body, and the less liver, heart and kidney complications in the long run, too.

Formulated with ingredients grown without the use of toxic or chemical pesticides and herbicides, natural products can easily match, if not surpass, traditionally manufactured medicines. Switch to these organic alternatives for a more conscientious celebration.

Sleep and digestion

Nature has provided us with a variety of herbs that aid in balancing our complex bodies in positive, reliable ways. These natural teas aid in upset stomachs, indigestion and sleepless nights.

Organic Nighty Night by Traditional Medicinals reduces the effects of psychoactive chemicals, making for easier nighttime relaxation. Organic Chamomile & Organic Peppermint by Traditional Medicinals and Natural Papaya chewable tablets by Healthy Options help promote better digestion. You can find these foodie-friendly remedies in Healthy Options.

Skincare

Keeping your skin nourished is also important. After all, what you eat is what your skin eats. That?s why it?s important to become more conscious of what you buy and consume.

The Soap Factory?s TLC is a proudly Pinoy brand. Put together by six sisters who made their eco-friendly hobby into an enterprise, the brand?s products are derived from pumpkin, shea butter, cocomilk, tomato and cucumber. Only natural elements make their way to the products, helping shield sensitive skin from harsh chemicals.

The Olive Soap is made from olive leaf extracts and olive oil, as well as moringa and guava soap, all free of any artificial ingredients.

Origins was among the first major personal-care brands to go green. Its products are formulated without parabens, animal ingredients, synthetic color and synthetic ingredients. They are, instead, made from blends of mushrooms, ginger, turmeric, holy basil and other natural ingredients that keep skin calmer and help maintain a stronger, healthier, more vibrant appearance.

Star choices

I?ve asked two beauty junkies to let us in on their natural selections.

?I use Burt?s Bees Honey Lip Balm. It?s 100-percent natural and has no artificial coloring to stain my lips. It keeps my lips from chapping and also adds color and shine when I don?t have lipstick. I love its minty feel!?

?Vanna Garcia, actress

?I have a thing for clean, healthy-looking, pinkish heels. Since I?m always in sandals, I want my nails and heels clean all the time! My new beauty ritual involves Zen?s blush crystals foot soak. It?s all natural?epsom salt, as it says on the label, draws out toxic fluids from the body and helps shrink swollen tissue. Perfect after a long day of shooting. It also cleanses and coats skin with a protective moisturizing coat. Bye-bye cracked heels! Just a spoonful into your basin, leave for 15-30 minutes, and, hello, fresh, fabulous-looking feet the natural way!? ?Angel Jacob, TV Host