Holiday Prep
Two years into the pandemic, we’re back here again… the holiday season! For some, this is a happy time of year and for others it can be difficult. In either scenario, lots of people use food to celebrate or cope accordingly. I’ll be doing my best not to eat my way from Thanksgiving through the New Year, so this list of dietary to-do’s is mostly a reminder to MYSELF on how to avoid overeating.
Otherwise known as belly aches, “food stagnation” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is what occurs when we eat too much and don’t move enough. If you’re already planning on overindulging, here’s a list of what to try so you aren’t hurting too bad, come January:
Eat light in the days leading up. This year might be a little different, but when it comes to the holidays, most of the time there’s a big feast that family gathers for. Whether or not that big meal is happening, we are still inundated with lots of treats and goodies regardless. Try to front load on your veggies and lighter meals leading up to Christmas, or New Years, or the final days of Hanukkah. You’ll feel better going into them knowing that you put in some intentional nutrition.
Drink TONS of water. The best way to flush the system is to drink water, water, water. The golden standard now is half your body weight in ounces. For example, for someone that weighs 140 pounds, they should be shooting for 70 ounces of water a day. Another great detoxing method that helps curb the appetite is putting half a lemon in your water.
Take your probiotics! To aid in the digestive process, double up on your probiotics or throw in some digestive enzymes before a meal. That will help everything break down a little easier and negate any side effects of gluttonous eating. My favorite probiotic is called Inner Eco (its coconut based) and can be found at most grocery stores. Check it out here.
Walk it off. After you indulge yourself with sweets and treats, take a walk outside. Light movement helps aid digestion and keeps everything moving in a positive way. If you think of the term “food stagnation” that I mentioned above, it just refers to food being STUCK. So what is the best way to fight that? MOVE!
If you do completely overdo it (or plan to): Pick up a bottle of our favorite digestive formula: Bao He Wan or Microguard. I have this formula with me pretty much at all times, no matter where I go. It’s a staple in my household. Known as the “Thanksgiving” formula, this harmonizes the stomach and helps promote movement to aid with any symptoms related to food stagnation-- bloating, gas, belly aches, etc.
Drink Ginger Tea. If you need another remedy to help soothe the stomach, have some ginger or peppermint tea. Both are great for a little relief!
Cheers to a VERY happy holiday season! No matter what your season looks like, cozy and quiet, or busy with family (and masks), I wish you the best. A new year is just around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited to see what 2022 brings!
