5 ways to maintain health this holiday season
1. Exercise – It’s easy to fall off track during the holidays if you are on a fitness regime…or stay off the fallen track if you aren’t. If spending time in the gym is not your cup of tea this season, get creative and have fun. Try snowshoeing, skating, winter jogging, snow boarding, skiing, or hot yoga. Experiencing new activities with loved ones is a great way to bond, spend quality time together and promote health.
2. Go easy on dessert – With so many tasty treats this time of year, it’s tough to pass the dish. If you want to try a bit of everything, do just that— a bit. Try a small portion of your favourite treats so that you can enjoy them without busting your belt. Be mindful, chew slowly, and enjoy the experience and taste.
3. Focus on healthy choices – When trying to make healthy choices this season, it’s important to keep your eye out for them. Load up on the vegetables and fruit, whole grains and lean meats. Go easy on higher fat items like gravy, eggnog and certain dips. The more you focus on healthy options, the less you’ll obsess over the not-so-healthy ones.
4. Take time for yourself – The holidays can be a stressful time, planning big meals, shopping ‘til you’re dropping and the enhanced awareness of family stress or the grief of a loved one. All of these concerns take their toll and can affect your emotional and physical health. Take time in your busy schedule to check in with yourself and be still. Try journaling, reading a book, listening to music or deep beathing regularly throughout the holidays to help manage these stressors.
5. Spread the love – This is a wonderful time of year for many of us, however, there are many people struggling in our community. If you have the opportunity, spend some time at the local soup kitchen, help pack toys with Christmas Cheer, buy a warm meal for someone without a home, or invite a lonely neighbor to spend Christmas with your family. Although we should spread love all throughout the year, let’s make an extra effort this season.
How socks can manage a fever and reduce congestion
Hydrotherapy uses water to help the body heal. This particular hydrotherapy technique is used to draw heat from you head to your feet to reduce a fever. It is also helpful when feeling congested as it draws out congestion as well.
1. Place your feet in a basin of warm water until your feet are nice and toasty (about 5 minutes). Dry off with a towel
2. Run cotton socks under very cold water. Wring the cotton socks out completely.
3. Put the cotton socks on your feet and a pair of dry woolen socks on top.
4. Go to sleep. Repeat as needed.
This is great for all ages, kids and adults!
Recipe: Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
1 large ripe avocado
2/3 cup chopped dark semi-sweet chocolate
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2-3 Tbsp organic cane sugar or honey (adjust according to taste)
½ tsp vanilla extract or ½ tsp vanilla powder
Chopped cashews, almonds and pistachios for garnish
1. Heat the chocolate, coconut oil and sugar in a pot on the stove until melted. Be careful not to overcook the chocolate or it will harden.
2. Scoop the avocado flesh and blend together with the melted chocolate combination in a blender.
3. Scoop the mousse in bowls or glasses and serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve chilled. Serves 2 people.
*Avocados are a good source of fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K and folate; they also contain glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage
*Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which is a healthy part of a balanced diet.
Holiday Office Hours
Snow Naturopathic is open this week, but will be closed between Dec. 24 and Jan. 2. There are a few appointments available this week, but if I don’t see you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Upcoming Event – Weight Loss and Maintenance
Weight Loss and Maintenance seminar on January 10, 2013 @ 7 p.m. Call the Barrie office, 705-792-6690 to reserve your spot!
In Health,
Karen Snow, Naturopathic Doctor