Staying Healthy This Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us and it is a time of family, friendship and celebration but can also be a time of stress for us with travel plans, interrupted schedules and falling out of sync with our routines.

Thanksgiving is one of the most awaited events of the year because it unifies all the people that we love the most at one bountiful table. The constant wave of laughter and culinary delicacies are the highlights of the day but when it comes to food, how much is too much? If you tune into your body and think that you’re already stuffed, and yet, you still want to have a pinch serving of each food to suffice your cravings; that’s a red flag. One way to distract yourself from overeating is to socialize and be more mindful during your meal. This year focus on feeding yourself not only with what’s served but also with stories and emotions.

Start off your day with a fresh fruit smoothie which will provide you with a boost in your metabolism and provide you with a lot of amazing and supportive nutrients. Take a stroll along the sidewalk or do some cycling to start your body and keep the blood flowing. A shot of apple cider mixed with water can also lift your digestion (you can add this to your daily routine as it can help your overall health). CHEW CHEW CHEW! Eat your food slowly. It will give you a lot more time to chat with your family and friends plus, you’re giving your tummy a way to easily digest, no one’s in a race here, so savor every bite. Last but not the least, do not consume too much food in one sitting.

Digestion plays a big part for us during this time because of the additional or different foods we may be eating so be sure to include fiber-enriched dishes at your table such as salads, beans, and veggies. After eating, do not lie down for 2 to 3 hours to avoid acid reflux or indigestion. Also, if you feel stuffed or bloated, drinking a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea can ease your discomfort. The next morning, get your body into the groove to invigorate your stomach and to burn calories; Eat foods that are high in fiber like carrots, nuts, and beans and drink plenty of water to support the body’s elimination processes.

Quick Tips for the Holidays

Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day.

• Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.

• Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.

• Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.

• Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.

• If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie!

• Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren’t all about food.

• Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.

• Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.

And even if you fall of the wagon during the holidays there is always a new day to jump back on that wagon – If you need some additional support and assistance to get back on track my 28 Day Hormone Reset Detox may be just what you need after the holidays to get back on track!

Cherish this moment and keep the love alive. Here’s wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!

Cheers!

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1- 12 ounce package fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (nothing added just pumpkin)
• 3 tablespoons almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the berries begin to break, or for about 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it sit until it reaches room temperatures. The sauce will thicken as it cools.