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Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving
SMART FUN AT THANKSGIVING
By Dr. Laura Thompson
I’m about to tell you what most articles at holiday time don’t. HAVE FUN!!! Feeling good is the most important nutrient in your life – in the world. FUN! FUN! FUN! We always start out with good intentions, but sometimes when we get carried away with partying, with whatever substance; it goes too far and we pay the next day. Wisdom, I think, helps prevent this. Have you noticed that you get smarter every year? Even with signs of aging, you still get smarter.
As I am older and wiser, I seem to know, how to listen to my inner voice -- not a New Age inner voice, just a plain old inner voice. The message is “OK, you’ve had enough of that food; time to change modes.” No guilt, no finger-pointing, just change of modes. Eat more salad, avoid the wine, ‘cause you’ll have night sweats all night if you drink it! Yeah, have the chocolate, make a lot of noise, smile a lot, have the mixed nuts, even a piece of bread. Have fun and move on. But – but, but – prepare yourself – by being SMART before hand. No need for the guilt thing if you’re smart.
How to Be Smart During the Holidays
- EAT SMART FOOD - Food that energizes, balances, soothes, and regenerates. Take control at home. Use Holiday Blues-Buster Foods:
- Have 3-5 small servings of lean protein daily: eggs, sunflower seeds, lean poultry, fish or beef. Use organic.
- Make December and January “Limit Carb” months. Since most celebration foods are carbohydrate in nature (bread, wine, cookies, desserts, potatoes) avoid them, except of course, on the days that you have FUN! Just be smart about it. When you do have grains, make sure they are whole, such as oatmeal or brown rice.
- TAKE SMART SUPPLEMENTS - My suggestions are based around nutrients and supplements, designed to relieve the following stressors. Here are some of my secrets:
Fatigue – Use your B vitamins to prevent or reverse fatigue. Balance adrenal function with your favorite rhodiola or other adrenal support supplement. Be consistent with it, as the adrenal support will help buffer low energy times.
Emotional stress – Support the nervous system by eating protein at each meal. The amino acids in the protein can help balance your brain and blood sugar. Remember that your brain is fueled by glucose and oxygen. So, eat whole grain carbohydrates for steady glucose absorption. Also – create a regime of breathing exercises. Walk or pace and breathing deeply and regularly – slowly, in and out. Pick up a Rescue Remedy product at your health food store. These are in liquid or cream form and, based on Bach flower remedies, can help calm and balance the nerves and emotions.
Immune system depletion – Boost activity of the white blood cells that fight
bacteria and viruses with your favorite olive leaf, Echinacea or goldenseal
supplements. Year after year, my patients report to me, that for the first time
ever, they’ve been through the winter and holiday time with no colds or flu.
Having a good source of vitamin D during the winter also helps prevent
infections. The whole family stayed healthy. Keep these products in your Natural
Medicine Cabinet. Major good investment.
Digestive stress – Over-eating, too much alcohol, late night partying can cause
intestinal gas, bloating, acid reflux, and bowel irregularities. Definitely take
digestive enzymes with you and pop 2 or 3 before a large meal. Good bacteria
like acidophilus and bifidus are indispensable at holiday time. Adults and
children should use them especially from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Eating is fun; in fact it can be a blast. Communal holiday eating is unbeatable and can create the longest of lasting memories. If you’re smart about it, there will be no repercussions. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. Call for in-home testing info, 800-608-5602.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.
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