Yes, we’re all coming out of the Thanksgiving coma just about now. Our final days of turkey and stuffing leftovers are running thin, and it’s time to start bulking up for Christmas and New Year’s meals. Don’t forget all the sweets that need baking, and the candy that needs our tending (I’ve stashed half of my kids’ Halloween goodies just to help get me through the holiday stress!). STOP THE MADNESS.
With short winter days not giving us sunlight added on to the food focused stress of the holiday season, we head straight for a dip in our happiness (technically called our serotonin levels, or so I’ve heard) when this should be the best time of the year. I’m preparing for that by committing to 15 minutes of sunshine on my face per day and a list of healthy food alternatives to combat the wintertime blues:
- Whole Grains (even in your tasty desserts http://blog.xagave.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-whole-grain-agave-cookies/)
- Cabbage (can produce some great side dishes http://blog.xagave.com/coleslaw/)
- Spinach (is a great base for winter salads http://blog.xagave.com/apple-cinnamon-almond-salad/)
- Broccoli
- Sweet Potatoes (a great breakfast treat http://blog.xagave.com/sweet-freakin-potato-muffins/)
- Squash
- Pumpkin (oooo, try this Pumpkin Protein Shake to cut back on heavy meat cravings http://blog.xagave.com/pumpkin-protein-shake/)
- Pomegranates
- Cranberries (in healthy whole wheat breads, it’s delicious http://blog.xagave.com/cranberry-nut-bread/)
- Grapes
- Water (ask yourself if you’re hungry or just thirsty – then down a glass of water to check before snacking)
- Green Tea (sweetened with agave is a healthy, tasty immunization boost in the winter months)
Here are three great Holiday recipes (http://blog.xagave.com/holiday-xagave-recipes-as-seen-on-tv/) that can give anyone a fix for their food cravings. Seek out recipes that can give your immune system some help in combating the germs of the season as well as an increase in happiness levels. Make sure to bake a few extras to have on hand in case of last minute stress eating. This is me, trying to keep my stress healthy! What’s your secret?
