With Thanksgiving and Holiday Season around the corner, it’s important to be mindful of what we’re eating and how we can optimize our digestion.
3 tips to consider during this time:
💜 Slow down while eating. We tend to eat a lot more when we socialize, without paying attention to how much we are consuming. The holidays are about coming together with family and friends; it’s a time to celebrate with those you love. Remember to be mindful of what you’re putting on your plate and savor every bite.
💜 Try incorporating warm lemon water or apple cider vinegar into your routine to aid in digestion. Drinking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar a day, either in the morning or ideally 10 minutes before a meal can help support blood sugar balance. If vinegar is a no-go for you, you can substitute with the juice of half of a lemon for a similar effect! Lemons are great for giving your immune system a boost, too.
💜 Keep moving! Physical activity increases blood flow to the muscles in the digestive system, which massages our food along the digestive tract. It can also alleviate eating related GI distress symptoms. If you currently exercise regularly, make sure you stay consistent during the holidays. Also, take walks before or after meals when possible to help with digestion.
Here are some supportive foods to especially enjoy during this season…
🥬 Bitter Vegetables: cabbage, arugula, asparagus
🥜 Nuts and Seeds: almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds
🍵 Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, cardamom
🥕 Root Vegetables: sweet potato, yams, beets, ginger, carrots, radishes, leek, garlic
🍋 Fruits: Pears, apricots, plums, persimmons, lemon, squash, pumpkin
🍯 Fermented foods: sauerkraut, pickles, miso, raw honey, kimchi
Also, during the holidays our alcohol 🍷 intake tends to increase. Kombucha is a nice alternative if you’re looking to cut some of your alcohol intake.
Happy Holidays!
