In my e-zine last month I mentioned ways to add balance, planning, and a little physical activity when approaching the holiday season. These are all important parts of minimizing the stress and weight gain that can creep into our fun.
Today I'll share "3" tips for staying grounded and maintaining your energy while enjoying some of those wonderful foods. We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the craziness of preparing for the holidays, and those delicious cookies, cakes, and drinks are fun to enjoy but can leave us feeling more frazzled. Here are some tips so you CAN enjoy them, while balancing out your food and energy so it doesn't turn into overwhelm.
Read on to learn 3 tips that can help…
1. Root & Tuber "grounding" vegetables… Yes, there is a reason I have a hearty soup on my banner. Root and tuber vegetables grow in or on top of the ground making it easier to remember that they can add grounding properties to our well-being. They help balance out the effects of added sugar, carbs, and alcohol, foods we can easily consume over the holidays.
In addition to this, they are easy to make when spare time is at a minimum. Try roasting them in the oven with a little olive oil, or added to soups and stews that can be made in a slow cooker ready for the family when you come home from your busy day. So be sure to add sweet potatoes, butternut or other winter squashes, turnips, and onions to your shopping list and meal planning this week.
2. Staying hydrated… I'm sure you hear it all the time to drink your water, but did you know that being the slightest bit dehydrated can leave you low on energy and craving sweets and caffeine? Water plays a big role in this so make sure you get 6-8 glasses in a day, and more when consuming alcohol or working out. A good rule of thumb when entertaining or out at a party is to have 1-2 glasses of water in between drinks to cut down on calories and sugar from alcohol.
3. Me time…This may seem like an impossible thing to include this time of year, but taking 20-30 minutes to yourself after the family is fed and ready for bed can be the best thing you can do for yourself. 
This is one of my favorites, in addition to curling up and reading a "feel good" holiday novel.
Create a mini spa… Take time at least one night a week to create a little mini spa in your home. All you need are some nicely scented candles, bath salts or baking soda, Epsom salt, lavender oil, some relaxing music and a nice soft towel and robe. Dim the lights, light some candles in the bathroom, and fill the bathtub with very warm water (as warm as you can stand it) and add either a bath salt or 2 cups of Epsom salt, 1 cup of baking soda, and 10 drops of lavender oil. The Epsom salt and baking soda will help relieve the toxins from your body and the lavender oil is very soothing. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes and do this at least once a week, but more often if you can. It's a great, inexpensive way to create your own spa without having to spend a lot of money or time trying to include one more appointment into your already busy day… Now go enjoy your me time and feeling refreshed to truly enjoy this beautiful time of year!
