5 Foods to Eat This Week

While the holiday season is meant to be one of peace, joy, and time spent with family, most of us find that the last weeks leading up to the holiday can be somewhat stressful and hectic. Add to that the number of colds and viruses that tend to go around at this time of year, and our bodies can end up feeling very taxed come mid-December.

In order to make it to your well-deserved time off and days of rest and relaxation without burning out in the process, it’s more important than ever to temper the holiday indulgences with foods that will keep your body strong and defensive this week. It’s a given that you’ll be eating some decadent and delicious holiday foods in the next couple weeks, so make the foods you prepare and eat at home count.

Here are 5 foods that you should eat this week to keep your body functioning optimally:

1. Oatmeal: High in fiber, this breakfast staple is a great addition to your routine. An array of different foods may grace your plate in the coming days, and let’s just say that sometimes your digestive system doesn’t catch up with what you’re throwing into it! Oatmeal is a great way to get things moving and prevent you from feeling bloated and over-full the day after a big meal.
2. Citrus Fruits: Instead of popping packets of Emergen-C, I like to opt for the real thing. Citrus fruits are wonderfully summery and refreshing at this time of year, and there are so many great ones to choose from. Unlike Vitamin C supplements, they’ll also give you a nice dose of fiber if you eat the whole fruit, which helps to offset the sugar cookies and other holiday treats you may be enjoying. Try clementines, cara cara oranges, red grapefruits, and tangelos. Yum!
3. Greens: A salad a day is a great place to start. Try mixing in cooked kale with your morning eggs or a handful of spinach into your smoothies. The vitamins and minerals provided by fresh greens are unparalleled - your body will thank you!
4. Lean Protein: Whether you choose plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, or animal proteins like chicken, seafood, and lean cuts of grass-fed beef, be sure to eat a few servings of filling proteins each day. That way, you won’t find your stomach rumbling and be tempted to reach into the cookie jar for the second, or third, or fourth time that day.
5. Probiotic Foods or a Probiotic Supplement: In keeping with the idea that a happy gut = a happy immune system and healthy person, I like to take a probiotic supplement at times when I know my body is fighting to handle a lot. If you enjoy probiotic foods like yogurt, raw sauerkraut, or kefir, try incorporating these foods into your menus this week.

Remember, keeping hydrated with water and herbal teas is another great way to stave off cravings and keep your system running at its best. Try Oma Herbal Teas, locally grown and packaged by my friend, Nicole. Check them out here. 

For tasty recipes and ways to incorporate the foods listed above into your diet, please check out our Seasonal Meal Planning Program, which starts in January.

Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday! <3