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Holiday Recipes and Resilience.

One of our favorite Holiday activities with friends, a big ol' fire!
One of our favorite Holiday activities with friends, a big ol' fire!

It's the Holiday season, and that means delicious food, family time, and many moments to practice gratitude and mindfulness. Let's be real - this is not always easy. The Holidays are all good and fun, and bring up all kinds of emotions. If you feel a certain heaviness during this time of year, you are not alone. Many people around you feel a similar way. During these times in routine shift, it is extra important to serve what's best for you, especially if you are in a time of working toward improving your Metabolic Health and Healing.


Once again, let's be real. It is easier said than done to keep up with your normal day-to-day when you are with loved ones doing Holiday activities. So, while keeping up with your health is important, so is meeting yourself with grace and acceptance. Be kind to yourself, and do not put yourself down if you aren't perfect.


To help you, we created a guidebook complete with 12 Holiday Resilience Tips and 12 Delicious Holiday Recipes for you to try! Keep reading for a sneak peek at one of the recipes, along with three tips for Holiday resilience. Click here to get your Holiday eBook!

*Note: this eBook was published in 2024, in case you already have it. But if you don't have one, we're offering it at a discounted rate!



Family Friendly Egg Bake

Ingredients:

  • 10 large eggs 

  • 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts

  • 1 leek, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

  • 1/2 cup diced onion

  • 1/2 red pepper, diced

  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach

  • 1/2 cup grated cheese 

  • 1/4 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk 

  • 2 cloves minced garlic 

  • Fresh or dried herbs (oregano, rosemary, basil)

  • salt and pepper

  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil 


Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, leeks, and minced garlic. After about 3-4 minutes, add Brussels sprouts, red bell pepper, and spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  • Whisk the eggs, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the cooked vegetables and grated cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. 

  • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the eggs are set in the center and the top is lightly golden.  

  • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy! 


Notes:

  • Play around with ingredients, change up the veggies and seasonings to make this your own. Get creative, have fun, and don't take the recipe so seriously ;)

  • This dish is perfect for a morning brunch with family, and it is full of nutrients. High-protein and high-fat make this dish satiating, comforting, and delicious!

  • Always use organic ingredients! And when shopping for eggs, look for pasture-raised. Your ingredient quality matters.




Three Holiday Resilience Tips

Nourish Your Immune System. The colder temperatures and proximity to those around you during the holidays mean you are more likely to catch a cold. Which is no fun, especially during exciting times! To ensure you are healthy and feeling your best, implement immune-boosting foods in your diet, such as:

  • Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C is essential for immune function, so include foods like citrus fruits (limes, lemons), bell peppers, broccoli, and rosehips.

  • Zinc-rich foods: Zinc is crucial for immune cell function. Add zinc-rich foods like animal protein and nuts/seeds. Pumpkin seeds are delicious sprinkled on salads and coconut yogurt, and munching on them can even lower stress in the body!

  • Garlic and onions: These foods contain compounds like allicin, which have antimicrobial properties. Add them to soups, stews, or roasted dishes for flavor and immune support.

  • Probiotic-rich foods: Fermented foods like coconut yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics that support gut health. Since the gut is home to a large portion of your immune system, a healthy gut can enhance your overall immunity.

  • Antioxidant-rich foods: Brightly colored herbs, spices, berries, and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and inflammation.

  • Bone broth: Bone broth contains collagen and high-quality protein. Bone broth nourishes your immune system and can soothe a sore throat or congestion. 


Stay Active. It is easy to get into a rhythm of staying inside and hunkering down during the Holidays due to the weather or feeling a bit depleted. This is understandable, but it is still important to promote circulation in the body so you can feel energized and ready to take on the Holidays. Whatever you can do to help yourself move, no matter how small, is important for your well-being. Keeping to a routine that fits your body is crucial; make space for movement!

  • Go on walks and talks. Extend an invitation to a friend for a festive stroll and heartfelt conversation, rather than a gathering just for a meal and drinks. This can be an easy way to motivate yourself to move if you have someone else to do it with. If you don't have someone physically able to walk with call a friend or family member while you take your own stroll.

  • Stretching. The cold can tighten our muscles; take a few moments each day to stretch, in whatever way feels good in your body. Doesn't have to be big! Maybe you just want to practice mountain pose. This can be a good way to promote blood flow and keep circulation running.

  • Sweat it out. If you are feeling more motivated, sweating and getting your heart rate up can help you detox during the colder months. Clearing your body's pathways and ensuring a clearer mind. If you're with family, maybe you turn on a workout video or go play a game in the park! It doesn't have to be crazy, have fun.

Set Boundaries. Know your limits and vocalize them to yourself and those around you. Say “yes” to nourishing events and “no” to those that drain you. Set limits on how long you stay at gatherings if that helps you manage energy, and don’t feel pressured to do everything.


The Holiday season, while joyful, can also be overwhelming with its large number of commitments, from family gatherings to social events. Knowing and vocalizing your limits and setting boundaries are essential to maintaining your well-being. Recognizing when to say "yes" and when to say "no" is a critical aspect of self-care. Saying "yes" should be reserved for activities that uplift you or align with your values, while a well-placed "no" can protect your time, energy, and mental health. Take a second and close your eyes, picture the event you are meant to go to. What do you feel? Is there hesitation, worry, or tension? Or do you feel excited, happy, or calm? These feelings mean something. Listen to them and don't let others drive you on what you should do.


By clearly communicating your boundaries to others, you can prevent burnout and ensure you enjoy the Holiday season on your terms. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your needs and take time for yourself amidst the festivities.


Looking for More?

If you are looking for more recipes and tips for the Holiday season, get your guidebook now by clicking the button below. If you are looking for more personalized support, please check out our services, one-on-one consultations, and The Nest membership. We hope you have a fantastic Holiday season!




Written by Ruby Laemmel, Marketing and Client Relations Manager, Certified in Mindful Eating.



 
 
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