Tis the season for overspending, overeating and stress – that’s what our culture is projecting. I would like to take you down a different path: one that will simplify your holiday season so you don’t feel drained and actually feel joyful!
Here is my four ingredient recipe that I strive to follow each year — it is based on what I know is good for my body and the family traditions that are good for the soul.
Get in even more veggies! I prefer soups and roasted vegetables to salads in the cold months. I love this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cherries and Pistachios. I was so excited to serve it on Thanksgiving day but with all the commotion I forgot it warming in the oven!! The upside was that I had a comforting nutrient-packed lunch to munch on all week 🙂 See the recipe below. Don’t forget to check out Denise’s Spiced Nuts.- Rest: You’ve got to get your rest or you will be a crabby, haggard looking Santa. Who wants that? Turn off the TV or computer and strive to get to bed by 10. Save the late-night wrapping for the kids to do on the weekend – think charming, instead of perfect 🙂 If you have a late night that couldn’t be helped, skip the 5:30 am workout and don’t beat yourself up about it! Buy yourself an early gift of a 10 pass at your neighborhood yoga studio (try Yoga Mandala or Prana). I tend to hit the yoga studio more than the gym during this season. It’s a great de-stressor and physical workout.
- Give a Gift from the Kitchen: My favorite gifts are homemade. And who wouldn’t rather be in their kitchen than shopping at the mall? Think simple and delicious, like this nut mix I will use for my Holiday Open House. I’ll provide seasoned nuts, dried fruit and other treats — each guest will create their own mixture. They will walk away with a gift that they can give to someone in need and a recipe to carry on the tradition. Enjoying a gift from the kitchen not only nourishes the body, by making it, you nourish the soul too!
- Live Holiday Music: Get your body and brain into the spirit! Be it singing, instruments or both — there is nothing like LIVE music. There are plenty of options for every budget, from attending a Christmas concert at your local church to the Holiday Pops. This will definitely put a holiday spring in your step:)
Now mix all these ingredients together, sprinkle with love and have yourself a happy, healthy holiday!
Enjoy the Season!
Denise