Good Morning and Merry Christmas Eve everyone! As promised, we are bringing you the remaining days of self-care to keep the holiday spirit flowing this Christmas season! Without further adieu, let's continue!
Day 7- Eat Mindfully
The holidays are a time where we celebrate with family, friends and food. Whether it’s a Christmas morning Overnight French Toast breakfast tradition or multiple offerings from several parties that you may be passing through, remember that your body is the faithful carrier of your person and quite possibly, a mini-you as well. As you eat, celebrate and give thanks for all that you have and the year has brought you, enjoy, but do so mindfully. Just allow yourself that moment to check in and take inventory of how you’re feeling.
Are you truly hungry? Too full? When we are in-tune with our bodies, they often tell us when we need to slow down, or when we’ve had enough. Our bodies are always sending us subtle messages concerning it’s needs and desires. Tune-in, eat mindfully, and reap the benefits of feeling nourished instead of overfull.
Day 8- Stay Hydrated
In these cold winter months, we tend to go into hibernation in the warmth of our homes. We may opt for grocery delivery instead of braving the cold. But sometimes it’s the warmth of our homes that can steal away our hydration. In the winter, the air is colder and less humid, which will naturally cause dryness. But in addition to this, the heat in our homes creates a dry environment as well. And as beings that are composed of 60% water, hydration is crucial for optimal function, especially while creating another little human being.
Is your body dehydrated and in need of water? Does your tongue feel dry? Is your skin a little less supple than usual? These are signs that your body is in need of water. So while you opt for that grocery delivery service and hibernate, mama, remember to put some purified water and even a humidifier on the list.
Day 9- Build Your Immunity
If winter brings one thing, it’s colds. And no one is more aware of that than moms. Lovingly referred to as the “family plague” in many homes, it’s that time of year where one family member gets sick and then (because we’re all snuggled warm in our homes) additional members fall like dominoes to the same ailment. The best way to stop this cycle is by building your immune system. 2 ways this can be done is by increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich foods and supplements such as citrus fruits and elderberry syrup. (We used Mountain Rose Herbs’)
Another way is to make sure that you are eating foods that are gut-friendly. About 70% of your immune system is housed within your digestive system. Consuming foods that are rich in probiotics as well as prebiotic fibers. Consuming probiotics --- like yogurts, kefir, and other fermented foods-- helps deposit good bacteria into the gut lining. Prebiotics like chicory root fiber and fruit-based fibers feed the good bacteria and helps to keep them strong, keeping your immunity up and you protected from the “family plague”.
Day 10 - Veg Out
No we don’t mean lay on the couch like a vegetable (although you certainly could!) No, we mean eat them! Did you know that vegetables (and fruits) are somewhat color-coded? The color of a vegetable gives an idea of what types of nutrients are contained within the produce. Take a look:
(photo credit @fullyrawkristina)
Eating around the food color-wheel will ensure that you are receiving the best nutrients for you and your growing baby. See how many color-groups you can “veg-out” on today. And in the name of self-care, we don’t mind if you’re relaxing on the couch while you’re doing it :)
Day 11- Cleanse and Detoxify
Cleansing and detoxification is a wonderful way to show your insides some love. Everyday life --- eating, drinking, breathing and visiting different environments --- exposes our bodies to toxins on a regular basis. And the body has a pretty amazing detoxification process via the digestive, lymph and renal systems. We often hear about the benefits of flushing out the renal system using lemon water, using chicory root and other fibers to help detoxify the digestive systems, but not a ton of attention is given to the cleansing of the lymphatic system. In short, the lymphatic system is a series of organs and tissues that are responsible for the transport of lymph, which is a white blood cell rich fluid that detoxifies the body of environmental toxins and pathogens that are potentially harmful.
This is where dry brushing comes in. The practice of dry brushing-- using a dry natural-bristled brush on the skin -- stimulates the lymph system to circulate, helping to better cleanse and detoxify the body. Take a few minutes to implement this ancient detoxification practice into your day and reap the benefits.
Day 12 - Connect
Are you part of a mom-tribe yet? If not, and we’re going to do some shameless plugging here. Women, especially mothers, naturally connect as a species. And if you are pregnant, trying to be or are a brand-new Mama, there’s nothing more important than having a group of ladies that you can confide in and connect with for advice.
Come join me on January 7th for the Healthy New Year program!
We hope you've enjoyed our 12-days to self-care. Wish you the happiest of holidays.
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