Here we are, deep in “that time of year”, where it is not uncommon to find we are dealing with some kind of emotional ups and downs, where ‘family stuff’, ‘work stuff’, and ‘personal stuff’ can sometimes get triggered.
Coincidentally, it’s the time of year when social gatherings (or lack thereof…) may present us with dietary choices which can generate some internal conflict. Does “Should I have this piece of pie??” or “I know I shouldn’t but…..” sound familiar?
Let’s face it: after the stresses of the past couple of years…who knows what’s coming next! Emotional eating is definitely on the rise.
If you find yourself in this category, go easy on yourself. These sweet treats, extra breads, puddings and so forth can be a really wonderful way to celebrate life. Don’t beat yourself up for enjoying them every now and then!
Just keep in mind that these goodies have an impact on your blood sugar, which can get a bit topsy-turvy as a result. One way you can build resiliency with this is to try keeping a balance of protein, fat, and fiber in your meals. For example, when my brother sends me gooey chocolate babka from NYC every year, I can enjoy it with some almond butter, or with yogurt, eggs or sausage on the side. That way, it doesn’t spike the blood glucose as much.
Keeping the blood sugar a bit more in balance can help you maintain more equilibrium in your system, and therefore boost internal resiliency! If you’re looking for additional ways to approach blood sugar balancing, sign up for our new E-book below.
In the meantime, here are 3 ways to minimize stress and support your overall health through the coming weeks:
- Rest. Simply put, there is nothing better you can do for yourself during a stressful time than to get more sleep. It can help reduce cravings, help keep you from getting depleted, and help with family dynamics too. If you can squeeze in a nap, or an extra half hour in the mornings, or go to bed early some nights, you’ll be really giving yourself a gift.
- Exercise can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. During the holidays, try adding a walk or workout earlier in the day to stimulate dopamine and endorphins. This will set you up for better energy and less temptation to over consume.
- Try the low-glycemic recipes below, or try adding some insulin-friendly herbs and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, basil, hibiscus, and nopal cactus into some of your recipes this season.
No matter what is on your plate this holiday season, literally or figuratively, we at The Women’s Vitality Center want to extend our love and gratitude to you for being a part of our community!
Faux chocolate mousse:
Have you ever used a chocolate protein powder for your smoothies? Try adding a little extra protein powder, and a little LESS coconut milk than you might normally use when making a smoothie, and you’ll wind up with a really nice faux chocolate mousse (aka protein pudding). Top it off with a sliced strawberry and a sprinkle of your favorite nuts and a little cinnamon! This is a nice meal but feels like a dessert.
Gluten-free turkey meatballs:
This is a really easy, quick, and tasty recipe that can be used in so many different types of meals, with a fresh salad, in a tomato sauce, as a side to roasted veggies.
Dark chocolate coconut almond truffles (gluten free, vegan & sugar free):
Ingredients
2 Tbs coconut oil
¾ cup almond butter
1 ripe banana
2 Tbs Lakanto monkfruit sweetener (more if no banana)
½ cup shredded coconut
Additional shredded coconut for coating truffles
2 Tbs cocoa nibs
5 Tbs cocoa powder
2 tsp cinnamon powder
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil and almond butter 1 minute to soften. Mix together with a fork.
- Mash banana with fork
- Mix all ingredients
- Form into 1 inch balls
- Roll in shredded coconut to coat truffle
- Place in fridge to cool and store
Makes about 20-30 truffles, depending on size
If you are looking for ways to manage your blood glucose, have been told you are insulin resistant, or if you find yourself mindlessly going from one comforting treat to the next sometimes, click here to get our new ebook, “Sweet Satisfaction: 3 ways to eliminate your sugar cravings, balance your blood sugar, and create more satisfaction in your life”
