10 TIPS to help you THRIVE not just survive the holiday season.
It's that time of year once again—the holiday season. Here in the US of A, it all begins with Thanksgiving—football season, an abundance of food, a time designated to being with family and friends, and perhaps too many Zoom calls.
The Thanksgiving I'm addressing in this article is from the standpoint of being a national holiday in the US. It started as a celebration of the harvest season, preceded by a fast, and was a time to reflect on all the other blessings of the past year.
(Sadly, Indigenous Peoples in America did not recognize Thanksgiving as a day of mourning. The history behind this holiday goes much deeper than most know. However, I am not qualified to address that, but I am learning more about it.)
So whether you are traveling or staying local this Thanksgiving, many activities and festivities will revolve around food, family, connection, and more food.
Turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more seasonal starchy vegetables and desserts are usually the foundation of many tables around the country.
I have found that following the healthier eating guidelines from Ayurveda (the 5000-year-old body wisdom tradition and science) that I apply daily and coach my clients into is incredibly helpful in navigating the holiday season of overeating, overindulging, and often stagnation.
Creating your rituals around how to support yourself and your family is KEY to navigating the holiday season with ease and grace. For example, in the tradition of overstuffing yourself and landing on the sofa in a food coma, one that feels good and aligns with your desire to be healthy and feel great the next day?
If not, what tradition/belief are you still perpetuating and why? Does it align with your values or lifestyle? Do you fast before the big celebration as the Pilgrims did? If not, it may be time to reevaluate and perhaps redefine the "hows and whys" of this American national holiday.
In terms of the social aspects of many seasonal and social celebrations, the holidays are fun, festive, connective, and cozy for many people. But, for others, not so much. Often, big family gatherings and certain relationships, expectations, and "B.S rules" can be less than merry and bright, creating stress, challenges, and fear.
The holidays can bring up a lot of emotions, push buttons, and leave people feeling as though they have to act "out of integrity" with who they are and how they want to feel. You do You is my motto.😉
“Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Norma Lee
Norma Lee who?
Normally I don’t eat this much”
Here are 10 TIPS to help you THRIVE not just survive during the holiday season.
Eat Earlier in the Day Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal earlier to support optimal digestion. Digestive fire peaks in the afternoon and slows after 2 pm, which explains post-meal sluggishness.
Eat Breakfast Have a light breakfast to prevent arriving at the meal ravenous and overeating.
Prioritize Vegetables Include plenty of fresh, roasted seasonal vegetables. Choose vegetable dishes first, leaving less room for less nutritious options.
Indulge Mindfully If you choose to indulge, do so consciously. Be aware of pre- and post-meal snacking. Sometimes, just a bite or two can satisfy a craving.
Drink Wisely If consuming alcohol, drink with food. Pro tip: Alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to unexpected political discussions!
Stop Eating Early Finish eating at least 3 hours before bedtime to improve digestion and sleep quality.
Practice Gratitude Focus on thankfulness. Research shows gratitude improves relationships, health, empathy, and self-esteem.
Eat Slowly Savor your meal. Chew, swallow, pause, breathe, and repeat.
Stay Active Take a walk after eating. Movement aids digestion and can provide a welcome escape from challenging conversations.
Enjoy Digestive Tea After the meal, try these simple recipes:
Hot water with a pinch of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds
Fresh ginger steeped in hot water
Light Eating the Next Day Follow the Pilgrims' approach: Fast or eat lightly the next day. Stick to soups, salads, and smoothies. Send leftovers home with guests to avoid temptation.
Remember: Food loses its energy over time, so fresh is best.
“My family told me to stop telling Thanksgiving jokes... but I told them I couldn't quit "cold turkey."
Interesting Thanksgiving Trivia? Did you know the original Pilgrim menu included unexpected items like lobster, seal, and swans? While lobster sounds appealing, seal and swans are a bit harder to stomach!
This holiday season, I invite you to reflect on your traditions:
• What other holiday rules OR brules (bulls*** rules) are you ready to ditch?
• What new traditions could you create that align with your values?
• What do YOU want the upcoming holiday season to feel like? After that, it truly is a blank canvas.
Your holiday experience is a blank canvas. You have the power to design celebrations that truly resonate with your health, family dynamics, and personal goals.
I'm genuinely curious: What new or reimagined traditions might you create this year? How are you making the holiday season uniquely yours?
Happy Thanksgiving.