(December 2011 Issue #005 - www.Making-Healthy-Choices.com)

A warm welcome to the Making-Healthy-Choices e-zine... Taking the time to focus on your health is the most important thing you can do - you are worth it!

In this month's e-Zine;

• Stay Well Through the Winter
• Have a Great Holiday
• Christmas Cookie Recipe - Raw and Vegan

In the northern hemisphere it is starting to get cold now. The winter not only brings colder temperatures but also less sunshine during the days.

Many animals hibernate in the winter and, to be honest my sun-loving body often feels like doing that too.

I think that instinctively humans tend to slow down in the winter months but keeping up with our modern fast paced busy lives has us battling against this instinct.

What results is many of us feeling less than par, less than able to keep up with festivities, busy schedules and non-stop daily routines. There may not be anything wrong with you - just with your schedule.

So, what does one do??? Look at the list below for a few simple tips to keep you energized, warm and at ease throughout the long winter months;

• Slow down: if it is instinctive to slow down (hibernate somewhat) during the winter then don't fight this, health is always easier found when we don't fight against Nature. Do slow down, don't jam pack your days with one thing after another. Arrange time in your day to have moments of quiet - the more the better.
• Get sun: When the sun is out get outside and get some of that sunlight on your face and in your eyes.
• Drink warm drinks: A cup of warm herbal tea or a nice bowl of soup will do wonders to warm you deeply.
• Use warming spices and foods: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, chilies, cayenne and turmeric are some great examples
• Get good sleep: good quality sleep at night is imperative to keeping your balance and providing you with energy to focus. During the winter months take a nap in the day if your body asks for it.
• Turn off the TV and computer: Pick up a book, play a board game or have a conversation. TV and computers emit frequencies that make it hard for our systems to fully relax or stay balanced, not to mention the abundance of violence and unhealthy information that is transmitted.
• Avoid junk foods: These will dampen your mood, lower your immune system and make it very difficult to feel balanced and at ease. Instead, eat nourishing whole foods.
• Yoga: It may not feel right to do high cardio exercises during the winter months but things like yoga, tai chi or chi gung can be invaluable in still getting exercise during the cold winter months.
• Meditation: Another great way to assist your body in slowing down.

Take advantage of the above during the winter months and you may even develop some great tricks to take with you into summer as well.

For many, this time of year is full of shopping for gifts, eating big meals and gathering with loved ones.

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your body and your pocketbook balanced this holiday season;

• Gift Shopping: Instead of buying new, consider shopping at thrift stores, antique shops or pawn shops - they offer great deals on many items that are in great condition. Take your time to look around and you may be pleasantly surprised. By not buying new you are not only saving money but you are also saving the environment. Used book stores are another great idea for the avid readers on your list.
• Other Gift Ideas: Why not make something - baked goods, cook someone a meal, a craft, homemade body scrubs etc. Or offer to babysit, offer to help someone out by washing their car, cleaning their house, taking their dog for a walk etc. Be creative - there are so so many ways to give a gift without spending money or buying anything new.
• Big Holiday Dinners: Eating a huge meal is extremely taxing on your body and your health. Help yourself to stay on track by feeding yourself something healthy BEFORE you go for dinner. This way you will be less likely to indulge in unhealthy food combinations when faced with a dinner table full of food. If you do happen to indulge a bit too much, assist your body by fasting the next day. Having a day of just juices or blended smoothies will help your body to recover and get back on track.
• Keep Sight of What is Important: The holidays can get very chaotic. Don't lose sight of what is truly important - sharing loving moments with family, remembering and helping those less fortunate, kindness to yourself and others, prayers and gratitude for the blessings and abundance that surround you...

Staying balanced this holiday season will allow you to fully enjoy all being offered without feeling compromised or depleted.

These Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are delicious, pretty and good for you! (as long as you don't eat a dozen in one sitting, smile)

For best results use only organic ingredients and start your recipe with LOVE - it is the secret ingredient that will make these cookies the best ever!

• 2 cups almond flour (pulp left over after making almond milk)
• 2 cups raw cashews
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• pinch sea salt
• raspberry puree (blend frozen or fresh raspberries)
• shredded coconut

Blend all except raspberries and coconut in food processor. Roll dough into small balls and press down in centre with thumb to make indentation.

Fill the indentation with the raspberry puree and top with a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

Dehydrate for 8 hours or until desired dryness is achieved. In our house these are usually gone (eaten right out of the dehydrator) well before 8 hours is up.

Enjoy!!

As I close out this month's e-zine...

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Next month: More quick and easy Holistic Health Tips and Information.

Until then, make healthy choices and be well!

Nadia

Nadia Harper RHN
Holistic Nutritionist and Health Advisor
https://www.making-healthy-choices.com
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