Thanksgiving is a feast with pies which merges into the Christmas cookies galore. When we eat too many treats, or default to fast food, we are feeding the bad microbes in our gut which will be demanding more of the same. The sugar hitting our circulatory system multiplies viruses and bacteria, weakening the immune system. Here is a tip when craving sugar, eat something sour like a pickle! The hustle and bustle has its own stress, so it is wise to plan on making life easier to keep the immune system strong to feel good and enjoy the season more.
Plan the week’s menu Develop a repertoire of favorite Instant Pot or Crock Pot recipes, and make a shopping list to have what you need for the week. I like to make a big batch of soup that’s more labor intensive on the weekend, and freeze in Souper Cubes. It is my lunch meal base. My standby’s when I don’t feel like cooking dinner are: baked sweet potato topped with eggs, baked acorn squash or roasted veggies and a protein with our salads.
Do Snack and Salad topping prep. Mason jars are great locking out air and keeping things fresh and need less storage space. Or reusable silicone bags that seal shut, or glassware that also is air tight works well too. Cube your favorite root veggies to roast in the oven. Slice snacking veggies—you can even put them in hummus. Shred and chop your salad toppings, enough to use up in 3-4 days and fill a jar (to minimize air) of what you can use when opening it—then all you need to do is tear up your leafy greens and pour them on top.
Green Smoothies are the new cereal. Studies show a good breakfast can keep you on track for good choices the rest of the day. Either freeze the makings of a bunch of greens and some of your favorite fruits, and when you’re ready, pour into a blender, add some recommended plant milk (or make your own), and a certified, gluten and dairy-free protein shake mix such as Complete* for a satiating meal. Or you might find it easier to make a batch of smoothie and freeze in popsicle forms to have a base, and just add water and more Complete*. For the times I do not feel like drinking breakfast, I make Complete* protein pancakes and freeze them. When I want one, I pop it in the toaster, I use it as my base for an over-easy egg, so much tastier and less expensive than gluten-free bread! If you are on Facebook and would like to join a page that provides recipes for healthy meals, desserts and smoothies, send a request to be added to Happy Being Healthy.
Be Well Rested and Stay Hydrated If we are tired or dehydrated, we can think we are hungry when the problem is lack of sleep or water. Facilitate better sleep by not eating after 7 PM, turning off electronics at 9 and picking up a good book, to wind down. When you get up, and every time you go to the bathroom, drink a glass of water, and have water handy to drink all day long. Urine should be pale.
Move! More are announcing that sitting all day is worse than smoking! Either take a power walk (it is motivating to not want to carry extra weight!), or some aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping and lungs drawing in more oxygen.
Homemade is always best! And remember to eat lots of veggies, and keep treats a one serving treat! Savor each bite for quality, not quantity. You will feel better!
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace…” Luke 2:13
Disclosure: This contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through my link, I receive a small commission, but it will not raise your purchase price. I only recommend what I have researched, love and what I use and recommend to all my friends.
Five Benefits of a Second Master Bedroom
An Easier Way to Make Plant Milk
It’s Pumpkin Time!
SINCE 1979