7 Tips for a Healthy Holiday

Coping with food cravings and binges can be a bigger challenge around the holidays!

There at least 8 things that really influence and increase your cravings, And one thing you can start with is by making sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating sweet vegetables such as sweet potatoes, onions and carrots to nourish your body with the nutrients it may be craving for from sweet vegetables. 

Healthy, and not-so-healthy, holiday snacks and beverages

You can get through the holidays enjoying good, yet healthy food and drinks by just replacing the most processed and artificial foods and beverages by natural ones. For example snack on the wonderful nuts and dried fruit instead of candy. Drink less coffee as it increases stress and is very dehydrating and drink healing herbal teas such as Rooibos tea, orange spice or chocolate or cinnamon tea instead. If you crave soda try drinking more flavored sparkling water.

Healthy recipes and ideas for delicious alternatives to typical Holiday meals

What you really want to avoid are pitfalls of the Standard American Diet , the (S.A.D.) diet, we are sicker then ever because almost 90% of the food we eat is processed! One key things to keep in mind is to replace canned vegetables or ready dishes with fresh organic produce of the season. increase your vegetable side dishes such as green beans, collard greens and mixed vegetables. Replace mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes, butter or margarines with olive oil or coconut oil and do your holiday baking with healthier options such as whole grain flours, less sugar and use natural options such as honey or maple syrup instead.

Also try this very simple Moroccan treat: thick orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon powder on top for a refreshing and sweet dessert or snack!

Holiday stress busters:

People tend to have very high expectations and stress around the holidays, what you can do to reduce stress is prepare some of the meals and treats before hand. And once the family is gathered focus on being PRESENT with them. Remember the holiday is not about the tasks and gifts, it's about cherishing the many blessings in your life and enjoying the very Presence of one another! Let them know how much they mean to you with your words and actions and just be the calm joy you want to see around you! Stress spreads around, so does joy, smiles and laughter!

Be responsible for your health and set yourself up for success

by having a lot of healthy fresh foods around, staying active as well as limiting the “major holiday food splurges” for Christmas day only, not the whole season.

Digestion

If your stomach is not a big fan of all these holiday meals and parties. One thing that can be of major help and relief to your digestions is avoiding any dairy products such as milk, cream, butter and cheese. Many people have real trouble digesting dairy products. Avoid dressings, stuffings, desserts and anything creamy. Another thing that may help as well is to drink hot water with fresh lemon or ginger tea to sooth a upset stomach.

Enjoy Fully!

Don't judge yourself or others. Take care of your true hunger with "real food" and your thirst with water and allow yourself to enjoy some special treats during the holidays and enjoy them fully!