As we prepare for the holidays, many of us many already be searching for the elastic band pants or the baggy sweaters as feasting excess leads to expanding waistlines. I'm going to suggest some austerity: in eating, spending and partying. What I love about this time of year is not the gifts, or gorging on caloric foods, or going to tons of parties. I like the darkness, the cold, the turning inward, the focus on beloved family and friends, the candlelight, the scent of pine and spices, and the music (so long as it isn't that commercialized bubble gum junk you hear piped through stores). I value contemplating birth, death, peace, cycles--the pace of the year and the cycle of life. I suggest giving more handmade gifts, or gifts of thought. A hand-copied poem on the finest paper with good ink, a drawing, and a loving note why you think the recipient will appreciate it. For the truly overwrought person, how about a gift certificate for a massage? A lovely, wholesome treat--see the recipe below for American Bark and Bite. A gorgeous candle. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. This concept should apply to your eating too. Keep it simple, clean, festive but not foolish. And, think of feeding your mind and soul as well as your body. This is the spirit of the holidays--a time of heightened festivity, but also a time for paring back and being introspective.
- Cut out the alcohol. Instead drink an orange-y seltzer water or have some pomegranate juice in a wine glass, or have a cranberry/seltzer spritzer dressed with a lemon or lime wedge.
- Make a healthful eggnog. Blend nutmilk, a frozen banana, some butter pecan or toffee liquid stevia, cinnamon and nutmeg (lots of nutmeg). It won't be yellow, but it will be truly delicious and healthy. It's really the nutmeg that makes the nog flavor. You can enjoy this without the fat and the heaviness of guilt.
- Make American Bark and Bite. Melt high-quality dark chocolate, add raw pumpkin seeds and cranberries, and a dash (and I mean just a dash) of cayenne pepper. Spread on a parchment lined baking tray, before it sets grind some pink sea salt over it. Place in the fridge or freezer, then break into pieces. Good for eating or giving.
- When snacking (especially at a cocktail party) go for the nuts and olives. These are simple, paleo bets that won't derail your healthy eating.
- Feed your body with a soak in the tub--add epsom salts and a lovely essential oil (citrus, rosemary or pine).
- Feed your soul with quiet meditation (early morning or evening, when it is dark, with candles) is especially expansive.
- Listen to beautiful music, live if possible. Try a Celtic Christmas CD or playlist.
- Read something gratifying. I like Madeline L'Engle's "Miracle on 42nd Street" (her musings on Christ's birth) or the poetry of Rumi or anything by Diane Ackerman.
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