Holiday Health & Recipes

This season is about traditions, celebration and enjoyment; however, it's a time where setbacks in health can occur as well.  To make the most of the holidays without disrupting your digestion, burning out, putting extra pressure on your liver, or gaining weight, I like to focus on supporting your body rather than feeling deprived.

For your digestion & gut health

• maintain a routine as much as possible - eat at the same time of day
• add probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha
• continue to avoid food sensitivities, except perhaps a favourite recipe or dessert one time if your body can tolerate a small amount
• honour your traditions, but you can make substitutions to accommodate sensitivities
• consider digestive enzymes or bitters to support
• if you accidentally (or intentionally) consume a sensitive food -> l-Glutamine, bone broth, and homeopathics like Nux Vomica or Arsenicum can help heal more quickly
  
  

For your mind

• practice gratitude
• simply as much as possible
• breathe
• schedule down time, a yoga class, a massage or acupuncture appointment, or something else you enjoy to settle down
• walk in nature
  
  

For your liver (it takes the brunt of the food indulgences, alcohol, and Tylenol that's consumed for tension headaches)

• milk thistle & NAC are my favourites, but there are many
• castor oil packs
• breathe to release any anger
• monitor the quantity of fatty or sugary foods consumed at one time
• consider delicious mock-tails and sparkling water 
  
  

For your healthy weight

• put food on a plate instead of snacking at the buffet table or counter
• use smaller plates for managing portions (e.g. appetizers & desserts)
• eat protein at breakfast and throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar, vegetables also provide fibre which helps too
• keep up with walks and movement
• enjoy a full spectrum of seasonal foods -> there's more to it than mashed potatoes and mozzarella sticks :)

Holiday Inspired Recipes (click to download)

Appetizers

Meals & Sides 

Desserts


If you are still hoping to get in before the end of the year, please add yourself to the waitlist and we will let you know if something becomes available.  We understand that things come up, but please continue to give us as much notice as possible when you need to change your appointment time.

For supplement orders, we continue to experience unexpected backorders.  Let us know if you are looking for something and we will inform you as soon as it's available or suggest an alternative.


Wishing you all the best,
Dr Christa
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This article is intended for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.