Merry Christmas

December 22 2018

HI there

Merry Christmas to all of you and Happy New Year. I am writing this blog in order to thank those whom have liked my page and seen my posts and blogs. I am hoping more will join in the new year and I am open to helping people with their health and wellbeing.

Now down to business. Christmas is a lovely time of year where we all get together and celebrate. It can mean reuniting with loved ones we don’t see all year or not often enough. It is a time of reverence and also for understanding the bigger picture. Food is a huge part of it and yes I could wax lyrical about not eating too much stodgy food. Now where’s the fun in that? I am totally for people having a day or two in the year to enjoy food. Maybe not too much but seriously I really don’t think we should deprive ourselves.

However….my concern is for stress levels. Not everyone is looking forward to Christmas. Many struggle and family dynamics can be very trying. Getting together with a family that is toxic or is challenging or overbearing can make some really suffer. Even down to digestion of their foods. Effect blood pressure and also fight or flight triggered by stress hormones.

Now I am not trying to be a negative Nelly. Just being practical. Even in happy families it can be stressful. Especially with a lot of big characters in one house. Now my intention here is to steer people towards understanding it is only for one day. The food we eat can be fatty and spicy and sugary and so all this contributes to our systems. Not forgetting alcomahol and coffee etc. Rich food and heavy foods such as Christmas fare can take a while to digest and if we are stressed our digestion and stomach juices can be affected.

Make sure you eat more in a grazing style than gorging (says she who needs to listen! Haha). Try to nibble a bit of everything and take your time. Chew each mouthful at least twenty times. If it is stressful for you then take small breaks outside to enjoy the garden and decompress. Removing yourself briefly empowers you so that you know you don’t have to stay in a stressful situation too long. Breathe. Slowly and deeply. Inhale the good and exhale the bad.

If you must drink alcohol then in moderation and the days after Christmas maybe drink herbal teas that help the liver such as dandelion tea leaf and root. Chamomile tea is ideal too for soothing and digestion. When eating food at Christmas before you eat the fatty foods such as turkey and roast spuds see if there is any salad with dark leafy veg there and nibble on that first as that acts as a bitter and triggers bile production and stomach juices which in turn aid digestion. Remember to drink water to rehydrate and sip often. Room temperature water is best at meals but cooler water afterwards is fine.

If you are struggling still and if you have no family to speak of or cut the visit short due to discomfort then please call Life Line on 13 11 14. You are never alone. I know and understand well and please know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Excuse the cliché. Never think you are bothering people and reach out. On a happy note you are valued and worth loving. I am happy to offer my services as a Naturopath and remember I have qualifications as a counsellor too.

Lots of love. Lisa