Let’s face it, there’s a lot going on during the holidays and it’s easy to put our health last. Well, you deserve better. Use these five simple tips to sneak health into your holidays without a lot of extra effort and focus.
Fast Before You Feast
image courtesy of www.ayushveda.com
A big part of the holidays is about feasting on meals with family and friends. The best way to feast is after a fast. You could fast the day before or in the hours leading up to your feast.
Tips on How to Fast:
- Begin your day with a mug of hot water and lemon juice.
- Get in touch with the empty, clarifying effect that deep hunger awakens.
- If you get uncomfortably hungry, simply make yourself green juice and then return to hot water and lemon.
- When the time for feasting arrives, pause. Absorb the intoxicating smells, vibrant colors, varying textures and abundance of the moment.
Offer a Blessing of Gratitude that Everyone Will Enjoy
Regardless of religion or politics, everyone can be grateful. Gratitude, or consciously receiving what has already been given, contributes to well-being in a big way. What we’re thinking matters.
For example, have you ever had a day where you went to a yoga class, did a meditation and ate healthy, but still ended up feeling sad? Negative thoughts are responsible for a day like that.
Good health isn’t just about kale and cleansing. It’s more than meditation and yoga. Good health starts in your mind, and it has everything to do with your attitude. So, why not take on an attitude of gratitude when you sit down for a meal? Here’s a blessing you can offer that everyone will enjoy:
I want to acknowledge and thank all of the money, credit cards, vegetables, fruits, fisherman, store owners, cooks, truck drivers, employees, etc. for participating in every meal and every product I used today. Today our family is especially acknowledging ________________.
Spice Things Up
Spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic and cinnamon are excellent additions to meals during the holidays. They help our bodies maintain their oh-so-delicate pH balance because they are considered alkaline. When the food we consume is alkaline it takes less effort to digest and our whole being is happier. We’ll have more energy to put toward other activities like spending time with family, playing with children, or whatever you want to do! So, don’t be afraid to flavor your food!
image coutersy of www.wellbeing.com
Take Your Medicine
There’s no need to throw your health out the window because it’s holiday season. Treat yourself and one lucky guest to a green juice or smoothie for breakfast. If they give you a funny look, respond by saying, “just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s gross.” This green goodness gives you a direct blast of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, protein and oxygen. This type of fuel will nourish your cells and help restore your immune system, making sure you thrive your way through the holidays. Below is a simple recipe for 32 ounces of glorious green juice:
- 2 large cucumbers (peeled if not organic)
- 1 big fistful of kale
- 4–5 stalks celery
- 1–2 big broccoli stems
- 1 pear or green apple
- 1 inch of ginger
Simply put all the ingredients through your juicer and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice on top if you have it available. Pour into a fancy goblet (to impress your lucky guest, of course). Enjoy!
Be The Host/ Hostess With the Mostest
…the most nutrient-rich dishes that is. Being alive in this day and age means we have instant access to hundreds of delicious raw, vegan, ayurvedic and nutrient-dense recipes. Whether you’re graced with the task of preparing the entire meal or just a single culinary creation, dare yourself to do a little research online and replace old family favorites with updated versions that will leave everyone feeling alive and well. A few simple searches might be:
- Raw cranberry sauce
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Acorn squash stuffed with quinoa and veggies
- Raw pumpkin pie
- Vegan cream of asparagus soup
- Spiced pumpkin chai
Ok, now it’s time to let yourself feel lighter and shine brighter. And since the road to wellness tends to be more fun when you can share it with family and friends, invite people to participate in your goals. Enjoy the season!
Ashley
Ashley Pitman is a fresh and authentic voice that brings potent ancient wisdom to the dinner table – as something the entire family can understand, embrace and enjoy. She supports thousands of people in crafting a thriving day-to-day experience that’s in favor of their best work – we’re talkin’ raw foods, ayurveda, cleansing, life-enhancing relationships, yoga, meditation, conscious business and community. For tons of free valuable content ,visit her blog or sign up for the free weekly newsletter.
