Raw Milk and Recipes

Healthy Holiday Tips

“My kids always get sick after the holidays!”

How many times have you heard parents complaining about their kids (or themselves) getting sick right after the holidays? It seems like every single year to me. Between a bombardment of cookies, family drama, over-scheduling, plus increased indoor and screen time it’s no wonder we are all fighting colds post-Christmas. But I am here to help you with some healthy tips to keep you feeling good over Christmas. Read along to find out my top 5 healthy holiday tips to nourish you body and soul this holiday season.

Plus, as a bonus, I am sharing my favorite immune boosting tonic that you can make to help give your body that extra bit of warmth and nourishment. Its so quick and easy to make, and it makes your entire home smell like Christmas.

Healthy Tip #1: Ditch the 80/20 Rule

Everyone has heard of the 80/20 rule, ight? Where you stay healthy 80% of the time, and allow yourself the ability to “cheat” 20% of the time? Well, this holiday season let’s aim to think of health a little different. Instead of categorizing foods as “good” or “bad”, simply choose foods that are the highest in vitamins and minerals each day. And if you happen to eat something processed or high in sugar, let go of the guilt. Once you realize that majority of illnesses stem from stress, your entire world view changes. In addition, you can opt to bake a healthier version of your favorite foods. Such as baking low sugar Christmas cookies, making a nourishing hot cocoa in place of the peppermint mocha from Dunkin Donuts, indulging in a slice of your moms homemade pie instead of store-bought treats.

Healthy Tip #2: Limit the Number of Baked Goods

Are you someone who typically bakes like 10 different cookie recipes, plus a gingerbread house, yule log, cinnamon rolls and a pie throughout the entire month of December? Well, this is your sign to slow it down. Choose 2 cookie recipes this season. Then pick one other baked good to make. That’s it, and trust me its plenty. Your kids and family will still feel the joy of the season and smell those incredible scents of Christmas wafting throughout the house. In fact, when you limit the number of baked goods, it might even make them more special.

Healthy Tip #3: Lower your Stress and Say No

It is ok to say no to friends and family. Over-scheduling is a huge problem during the holidays. For myself, I always make sure I allow for one free weekend leading up to Christmas. One weekend where I can simply spend it at home with my family. And I can use that time to wrap presents, bake cookies or simply watch a Christmas movie with my family. It is so easy to book up every weekend, between holiday events and family obligations. But this over-scheduling leads to over-stimulation and that in turn leads to stress. And when we are stressed, we often don’t make the best decisions. That could look like; indulging in too many holiday desserts, vegging out in front of the tv, causing family drama during your Christmas party, or not getting enough sleep. And stress leads to sickness. So just say no, put your health first.

Healthy Tip #4: Limit Screen Time and Get Outside

It is so easy to just put on a Christmas movie for the kids and tell yourself, it’s ok its Christmas. Trust me, I get it. But when one Christmas movie leads to 20, the kids suffer the consequences. They are trapped indoors often due to the cold and they get bored. So it is absolutely ok to turn on a Christmas movie or show. But I like to set a goal prior to each season. For example, this year my son is only 1 and a half, so he gets to watch 1 Christmas movie. That’s it. For older kids, you can add more. But again, set a limit and let them know what that limit is.

And set an outside goal. For me, this year I aim to take a walk with my son every day it is above 40 degrees. If it is under 40 degrees, we usually just walk around the outside of the house. Outdoor light is 10 times better for you, even on a cloudy day, then indoor light, including red light. And if you live in a warm area, take advantage of that vitamin D and get outside for majority of the day! For those in cold areas, I recommend taking a cod liver oil supplement every day for added vitamin D. Click here for my favorite brand.

Healthy Tip #5: Take Extra Health Precautions

The final healthy holiday tip is to take extra health precautions. This includes getting more sleep. This should look like 7-9 hours for men, 8-9 hours for women and 10-12 hours for children. Most kids these days do not get near enough sleep, and then we wonder why behavior problems are on the rise. In addition, take extra supplements. These include trace minerals and vitamins C, D, A, and K2. Plus don’t forget to make my Immune Boosting Tonic. This drink is incredible for preventing colds! It is filled with vitamins and minerals, plus it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Check out the recipe below! And that sums up my healthy holiday tips, thanks for reading along!

*This is not medical advice.

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