Dec 12, 2019
Happy Holidays!
As a really neat way of giving back, this month I'm featuring an amazing group called The Breasties. Some of you may know that my own mom passed away from breast cancer. While I was being tested for the BRCA gene (which I don't have), I had to consider what action I would take if my results were positive. That process (along with watching my mom's journey) really showed me why support & community is so vital! That's why I was so excited to come across The Breasties. This month, I'm donating a portion of every sale to this organization!
Thanks for supporting me AND this amazing group.
My first year in business (four years ago!), I created this fun spin on the 12 Days of Christmas song.
Recently I haven't been loving this word "healthy". I find that many people use it to designate foods that are "good" or "bad", and that isn't helpful! In my opinion, "healthy" doesn't have to refer to nutrient density. Something can be healthy for your heart, soul, mind, emotions, OR body, which means any food could be considered healthy.
And now, without further ado...
Welcome to the 12 Days of Healthy Christmas!
On the first day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
a partridge and a pear salad!
Make sure you're eating this month! We all tend to get pretty busy during the holidays, and sometimes we push ourselves to keep going with no food. (Or we tell ourselves we can wait until some big meal later in the day.)
Think ahead and consider your schedule. If you know there are going to be some jam packed days, think about how you'll eat well. Can you pack a lunch? I recommend trying something like a pear salad. (Recipe links at the end of the show notes!) You can make it once, and then have leftovers for a few days. When you take a bit of extra time to get the nutrients you need, you always feel better!
On the second day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
two loving turtle doves.
Turtle doves signify devoted love. During the holidays we're often thinking of loving other people. And while that is wonderful, I'd recommend you don't forget about yourself either. Try to take time to give yourself some true love. How do you need to be cared for? How can you make sure those needs are met?
Remember to come back to yourself, check in, and be sure you're meeting your own needs. A hot bath, an amazing candle, a gratitude practice, a movie in bed -- do what you need to do to uncharge and unwind.
On the third day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me....
three tips from French hens.
1. Something I really admire in French culture is their overall ability to take pleasure in their food. In France, meals tend to be long and leisurely. There is a sense of true enjoyment while people are eating. It's wonderful! As you enjoy holiday dinners, try to find moments to slow down savor.
2. I read the book French Women Don't Get Fat some time ago. Although I can't endorse everything, there were some things I really enjoyed. The author pointed out that French women rarely go to the gym. Instead, they work movement in throughout the day. Try to take the stairs, walk around the block, or do some stretching. Take the moments that you can to fit in a bit of movement.
3. Work in nutrient dense food early in the day. This is especially helpful when you know you'll be enjoying a large dinner or night out for the holidays. This isn't about creating rules and restrictions! It's a way of thinking about yourself and making sure you're feeling your best.
On the fourth day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me....
four phone calls to friends.
Holidays can be really emotional. I know I have lots of emotions! It's easy to want to turn to food for comfort during this season. Although emotional eating can be perfectly fine, emotionally overeating can make you feel worse.
Instead of snacking, who can you call?
On the fifth day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
five golden lemon rings in warm water.
First thing in the morning, I find it feels really good to drink some warm water. In addition, you can add in a few lemon slices. This can be really good for your stomach. It feels good, keeps you hydrated, and can even help improve digestion.
When you've been more active than usual, eating richer foods than normal, and just generally been doing more, even little things like an extra class of warm water in the mornings can make a difference you can feel!
It's an easy way to keep yourself feeling good this season!
On the sixth day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
six geese a'layin in bed.
Take the time to rest. When you have a chance, slip in a mediation, a nap, or an early bedtime. It's so necessary to give our bodies a chance to recharge.
In addition, you're less likely to overeat on sugary foods when you're energized from sleep.
On the seventh day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
seven graceful swans swimming.
Swans are upright, graceful, and they appear to glide across the water. Imagine yourself as a swan. Stand up straight, and don't hunch over. (That means putting your phone away too!)
Having upright posture increases your confidence. And the more you're visiting, mingling, dancing, and feeling good about yourself - the less time you feel compelled to browse the buffet (when you know aren't hungry) or head for the bar.
And that makes you feel good!
On the eight day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
eight maids of dairy free milking.
This can be quite a dairy consumption month! From desserts, creamy drinks & soups, cheese plates, and more - I can always feel it when I eat lots of dairy products. Even though I don't restrict foods, I do consider how I can reduce dairy. After all, I know that I feel better when I don't take in so much dairy. A lot of people feel like it takes a toll on their system too, and it just seems to slow everything down. (This isn't a rule! Just something to try.)
On the ninth day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
9 ladies dancing.
Let loose! Have fun! The more you enjoy your life, the more flow you'll have day to day.
On the tenth day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
ten lords leaping of faith.
Trust yourself. Trust your instincts.
It's one thing to plan to get back to normal once the holidays are over, and another to trust that it WILL happen. But it will. I know I might gain a few pounds this month, because I'm eating more than normal. That's okay! As I get back to my normal routines, my body will naturally readjust.
Rather than stressing about it, enjoy your present moment. Know that this schedule (and these eating patterns) aren't permanent.
On the eleventh day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
eleven pipers piping frosting on cookies.
Making cookies is such a fun holiday pastime. Have fun with it! Last weekend I took a holiday baking and decorating class, and it was so enjoyable. Getting to enjoy cookie baking is one of my favorite parts of Christmas! I hope diets and food restrictions don't tempt you to skip fun traditions and holiday opportunities this year.
Let yourself be present in the moment, and allow yourself to enjoy each day.
On the twelfth day of healthy Christmas, my true love gave to me...
twelve drummers drumming on your head.
Have you ever tried intuitively drinking alcohol?
I suggest asking yourself why you want to drink, and what you actually want to drink. (If the point is to make a certain activity fun...maybe you could try a different activity!) In addition, you can consider how a drink makes you feel. Personally, I try to avoid sugary drinks because I never feel good when I drink them. Hydration helps too - take in lots of water if you plan to drink.
I hope you try some of these out. And if you do? Come tell us
all about it! We'd love to hear what you tried and how it worked
over in the Facebook
Community. You can find us here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/realfoodfirstcommunity/
And if you're ready for food freedom and body confidence, and you know you're ready to dive in...do it now! Part of your investment will go straight to an amazing organization that benefits women.
Fill out this form to work with me (and part of the proceeds
automatically go to a good cause):
https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/5de69dfe993ccb16c45257aa
PS - Interested in those pear recipes?
Slow Cooker Chai Spiced Poached Pears
https://caitlinball.com/2014/12/slow-cooker-chai-spiced-poached-pears/
Balsamic Chicken & Pear Salad https://caitlinball.com/2016/12/balsamic-chicken-pear-salad/
Pear & Squash Quinoa Salad https://caitlinball.com/2015/12/pear-squash-quinoa-salad/