Healthy Holiday Strategies
4 Healthy Holiday Survival Strategies
This may all sound very simple and straight forward, but the results will bless you.
Tip #1: Bring your own appetizers!
A simple tray of fresh veggies and healthy dip can help you keep that promise to yourself. Keep in mind that organic veggies are strongly advised. There are a few that we will not buy unless they are organically grown, such as celery, tomatoes, red or yellow sweet peppers, lettuce, cucumbers.
From our experience, items that are grown in greenhouses/hothouses are often grown in chemicals and have never touched real soil! The chemicals not only can be dangerous to your health, they also provide NO nutrition to your body!
Cindy’s Tahini Dressing/Dip
In a small blender combine:
- 1/2 cup Tahini (ground sesame seed paste)
- 1/4 cup Bragg’s (like soy sauce)
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar with mother
- Juice of one Lemon
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- One Green Onion chopped
- Handful of Parsley
Tip #2: Bring your own amazing salad!
Make it so interesting that the others will want to have some too! Just remember to leave OUT the spinach… spinach leaves an acidic residue when it metabolizes. Let the salad dominate your plate and then add a “bit” of what is being served if you feel obliged. You can use the same fantastic Tahini dip as your salad dressing.
Tip #3: Love yourself enough to stick to your plan.
This can be a tricky one. We all have the memories of the great feasts of our past family gatherings. But it is those “traditions” that are at the root of our North American dis-ease!
Why not be the shining light of a healthy way to celebrate?
Personally, my health is more important to me than concerning about “offending others.” Don’t you think it is time for people to gather just to be with each other and not make a big deal if someone chooses to eat differently than someone else? Does anyone freak out if the diabetic at the table doesn’t partake of the sugary pie, due to health reasons? So why should people care if you desire to take care of your health BEFORE some dis-ease manifests?
Be the example with your actions, VOID of words! The less of a big deal you make of your food choices, the easier and more comfortable holiday gatherings will be for ALL concerned. I speak from experience!
Tip #4: Bring your own dessert!
And bring enough to share with everyone! I have several different desserts that even the fussiest carnivore would gladly eat, but today I will share the recipe for my,
Frozen Carob Macaroons
These should ALWAYS be in your freezer! They satisfy that craving for a treat that we all get.
- 2 Bananas mashed
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (less if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon Suede Hills Green Stevia powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 6 Tablespoons Carob powder
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded Coconut
- 2 Tablespoons Chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the remaining 4 ingredients and mix well.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Using a retractable cookie dough scoop, place scoops of the macaroon mixture onto the cookie sheet.
Place the cookie sheet in the freezer until firm, 20-30 minutes. Once frozen transfer to a resealable container and enjoy as the urge strikes you!
The Frozen Carob Macaroons will soften at room temperature, but they are great right out of the freezer too! Try adding a little piece of candied fruit or almond slice on top for a more festive touch.