I feel like this time between Christmas and New Year’s gives a little space for our immune systems to take a big old sigh of relief and start doing what they can to repair and build themselves up a little. So while you are busy driving all over your fair country visiting family and friends and going from one sugar fest to the next, I suggest you download this brand shiny new audio recording from a presentation I did on staying healthy through the holidays (details below).
I feel like the immune system is this mysterious thing in our body. It’s not like the liver or the heart or a specific organ that we pinpoint and describe. The immune system is more like a series of bits and pieces that work together to form a total body defense. Part of it is the glands in our neck/throat, armpits and crochety crotch region, there is the lymphatic system that runs side-by-side with veins that carry fresh oxygentated blood, a massive part is in the lowest bit of our small intestine and of course there is the part located in our bones where blood is made. The thing is, we need all of these bits and pieces to be nourished in order for the total system to do it’s job.
Unfortunately, there are many things we do during the holidays that kick this system while its down. The main immune system killers:
1. Sugar/Alcohol
2. Too much food (and bad food at that)
3. Lack of sleep
4. Making out with strangers at holiday shindigs.
Now, for my holiday party survival guide, might I suggest the following:
Holiday Party Survival Guide
- Drinking is optional! Cranberry and soda is delicious.
- Eat a small healthy snack before the party so you don’t arrive starving
- Get a plate! Take assorted appetizers onto your plate instead of grazing
- Bring a dish to a potluck that could serve as your entire healthy meal.
- Don’t be shy about asking what something is, or asking for yours to be plain
- Keep to the lighter desserts- fruit and cookies, or small slices of the ones you want to try.
- Find someone to split a larger dessert with.
- Keep drinking water
- Avoid the “But it’s the holidays” mentality- every action has a reaction and a result- Will your action produce the results you are after.
- Careful of canoodling- Germs do spread! Keep hands washed and away from the face.
- Get as much rest and exercise as you can.
For more info, you might just want to download the newly released Mp3 Healthy Through The Holidays. Your $9.99 purchase will include the option to download for free, the 8 page accompanying handout with all the highlights and few holiday recipes. And don’t forget about the 20% off ‘freshstart2010‘ discount you can apply to this purchase(details at the bottom)
Healthy Through The Holidays (52 min. Mp3 + Highlight Handout)
Staying on a healthy eating plan can be tough throughout the year. It becomes even tougher around the holiday season. Not only are we tempted by the goodies and beverages being served at all the holiday parties, we are also under more stress as we work longer hours, attend more functions and cope with more family than we may normally be accustomed to. All of this takes its toll on our immune system. In this lecture you will:
- What is the immune system?
- Immune system busters
- Immune system boosters
- Learn how to navigate the holiday buffet tables, pot luck dinners and evenings of indulgence
- Acquire tips and tricks keep your immune system strong and fighting
- Discover some healthy holiday meal and dish ideas
Using humour, relevant and simple explanations, and practical solutions, Meghan will leave you inspired and motivated to keep yourself healthy through the holidays!
$9.99
The next group program kicks off on January 3rd, 2010. We will be starting with a 3-day Green Smoothie Cleanse followed by a program of your choosing, either 5 Days Low Glycemic Eating or 5 Days Vegan- whatever works best for you, works best for me. From now until January 3rd, purchase any two e-guides to health or other available products (including The Healthy Cookie: Unbaked), apply the discount code ‘freshstart2010‘ at the checkout and save 20% on your purchase. Let’s get healthy together ’cause yaaaaay this is fun!
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Do you burp it all day?..lol!
I love garlic and I cook it in everything I make (the joys of coming from an Italian family, “You can never have enough garlic!”. But I cant have it raw, bleeeck! To hard on my tummy! Burp city!
No!!! Grody to the max. The trick is to do it on an empty stomach- though some peeps just have a tough time with raw garlic. Funny though- I can do this but HATE raw garlic in my food- that I taste forever.
Yes, I have never had it this way, but just raw in food and I hate it!! I guess on an empty stomach swallowed whole is key! Thanks, Meghan!
Great advice! Knowing that my family get-together would be full of greasy, fatty food, I brought a nice chickpea and parsley salad and kept a wine glass full of water at all times. To my surprise, the salad was devoured and my full glass kept anyone from trying to “top me up”.
Everyone likes healthy food when it is delicious- its what we were born to eat
Such timely information around now! Garlic is great raw, cooked, any way you slice (or chop) it!
I’ve been practically living on mineral water and cranberry juice (unsweetened, of course)–it really does hit the spot.
my best line of defense is a good offense. I kept regular consumption of cranberries in smoothies and raw bars.
We did our regular hand washing and kept our socializing to a minimum (mostly to keep our toddler safe and cold free)
I also almost always make a batch of green smoothies before any party or event so we walk into the food line, pre fed and nourished.
lastly, I try and consider my skin as my first line of defense against germs. I try and not over soap my self and strip my skin of the oils that protect the skin and I always use cold pressed coconut oil on my skin which also has protection.
I loved today’s post…it’s such good reminders.
(and after doing your low GI eating challenge, I was in no mood to wreck all that I did with nutrient void sugar treats!
Thanks !
(am getting all ready for the Green Smoothie Cleanse too!)
Is there any other reason to take the garlic and honey on an empty stomach other than not tasting it? Is it not as effective during the day when you’ve already eaten?
When you take it with food, it sits in your stomach longer- it is my understanding that, for the most part, herbal remedies should be taken on their own, away from food.
Well, I had this same advice re: honey and garlic from my ND last week when my daughter had a cold…. i knew there was no way i could get my 3 yr old to eat raw garlic but now i have her cold. I had a fairly empty stomach around 4 PM today so when I watched your video i decided to go for it! Anything to get healthy! So far i’m not burping garlic.
thanks for the tip!
there is honey and garlic in the dinner I just made
hey meghan
kev and i just watched food inc… WOW – my mind is spinning! i think 2010 is going to see some interesting food changes for our family.
i have a question about the garlic and honey, should we be eating it every morning? and should i have it before or after my lemon and cayenne (which i have every morning thanks to you)?
all the very best in the new year.
thank you for your blog – it’s making a positive difference in the world.
The garlic and honey is a good one during times of stress and when you are feeling run down (caring for a fresh baby can do that to you!), but no herbal remedy should be used ongoing, indefinitely. In your sitch, I would suggest 1-2 times a week, more if you feel something coming on or particularly worse for wear… Also- take the lemon water first thing to flush and cleanse, give it a few minutes and then do the garlic. I know that you keep your home happy and healthy, imagine what other people, the less informed, thought of that movie. Really drives it home huh? Thank you for kind words and you keep shining bright!
Alright lady, I’m game (finally). I even did a smoothie dry run tonight with spinach, blueberries and a small banana. Delicious! Just read my packet and I’m gearing up for the third!
KJHDTU&^*&(*UK<KUHY*…. that's what my cartwheel looks like when I type it out. So excited you'll be joining the green monster fun!
I can’t wait to make more coconut flour recipes! Any suggestions?
Check Elana’s Pantry for some awesome ones. I have been keeping my baking to a minimum as I also attempt to keep my bottom to a minimum before the retreat in January