Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season when we have a few more things on our plate (ha! a little pun there :)). We have busier schedules, less sleep and are exposed to more people — all of which can set us up for illness and feeling stressed out! At times like this, you may be tempted to ditch the fresh real food and grab a quick processed snack or carry-out meal.
It may feel like we are making our lives a little easier, but actually, we are really making matters worse! Stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet drain our immune systems. We are left feeling exhausted and sick.
Now more than ever is the time to make an effort to support and boost up our bodies with fresh, healing power foods and rest so we feel refreshed, energized and happy.
Here are my top 3 ways to support your body with healing foods during this busy season:
- Stock up on healthy “grabs” — keep your refrigerator (and your car) stocked with quick healthy snacks: water, apples, bananas, mixed nuts, Denise’s Energy Bars, hard boiled eggs, cut veggies and a healthy dip, make a fresh dressing and keep a large bag of mixed greens for a quick salad, hummus spreads, or frozen fruit to make smoothies.
Start your day with a green Smoothie — Greens are your power source – so you why not start your day with Green power! Scrinching your nose up at green drinks? My Kale Pineapple Smoothie is the place to start.- Double up! Making soup or chili? Make a double batch and freeze the extra. Crockpots are great time savers — especially if you prep ingredients in advance and freeze them! Try my favorite Cuban Braised Beef! Bringing a dish to the party? Make extra to keep at home!
Here is a great recipe for the holiday season — it’s a delicious appetizer for guests and a lunch or light dinner for you! Check out this amazing recipe — Curried Chicken Salad over Toasted Cinnamon Raisin Rounds.
I hope these action steps give you some direction to keep your body strong and your spirits high during the holiday season.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Start with just one action — make a green smoothie!
Don’t wait until January — your body needs it NOW!
You can do it:)
Denise