by The Culinistas
Late nights celebrating with friends and family. Flu season. Too many canapes and cocktails. We tapped Rooted Wellness founder Sarah Reuven for a few tips for staying healthy during the holiday crush.
“The holidays are often filled with lots of good food, drinks, late nights and some stress. This can all take a toll on your physical and mental health,” says Reuven. “Practice being mindful of your choices all holiday season long so that you can start the new year feeling your best — no resolutions needed.”
Here are Reuven’s tips for surviving the holidays, plus her ideal menu for staying the course even when the course is full of Bacon Wrapped Dates and communal punch bowls.
Drop The Guilt
First and foremost, one meal is not going to make or break your health goals. Thanksgiving is just one day so enjoy the food and quality time with friends and family, and then move on! Drop the guilt.
Nosh As You Normally Would
Never “save up” calories for a big meal. This always backfires! Go about your day as you normally would with a nutrient-dense breakfast, lunch, and snack. This way, you won’t sit down to a holiday meal starving, which can lead to over-eating.
Work It Out
Make exercise a priority. Physical activity helps to relieve stress and typically puts us in a better mindset to make healthier choices all day long.
Bring The Good Stuff
Don’t show up empty-handed! If you are a guest at a holiday meal, offer to bring a salad or veggie side. You’ll impress the host and ensure you are getting some veggies in.
Follow The 50/50 Rule
At the holiday meal, pick two or three seasonal “faves” that you love and can’t get all year round, and then fill the rest of your plate (at least half!) with veggies!
Slow Your Roll
Slow down when you eat and enjoy the time with friends and family — that’s what the holidays are all about!
Nutritious Dishes to Get You Through the Holidays
Roasted Carrot Dip & Crudites
rich cashew-based carrot dip with middle eastern undertones
carrot, sesame seed, cashew, lemon, cumin, cayenne, onion powder, vegetables
Winter Vegetable Antipasti
A hearty salad with radicchio, delicata squash, celery root, roasted peppers & walnuts
delicata squash, celery root, red bell pepper, radicchio, walnut, red wine vinegar, urfa, allspice, cumin, cayenne, onion powder
Simple baked salmon with horseradish yogurt sauce
wild salmon, horseradish, tarragon, dill, yogurt, lemon
A comforting bake with a creamy vegan parsnip sauce
farro, parsnip, kale, hazelnut, thyme, lemon, cayenne, onion powder
Balsamic Green Beans
blanched green beans with a thyme-infused, onion-balsamic reduction and deeply toasted almonds
green bean, balsamic, cipollini onion, almond, dried currant, thyme, sumac
an autumnal squash dish with red quinoa and a sweet dressing
butternut squash, red quinoa, cashew, cranberry, scallion, sumac, allspice