Keeping Those Healthy Vibes Flourishing During the Holidays...

Happy November, Sun Lovin' Loves... let the Christmas music begin! Who am I kidding, I have been jamming out to holiday tunes since mid October (if you watch any of my Instagram stories you know)! Now if the weather here in Texas would cooperate and drop by 20 degrees, things would be falling perfectly into place...

But with the holidays right around the corner and cooler weather (hopefully) coming our way, it can really take a toll on those healthy vibes. So thought I would give you a rundown on some things that you can do ( all natural) that will help keep those healthy vibes high during the busiest time of the year. 

1. Keep those greens coming!  Don't neglect getting in your daily greens just because the weather is cooler. Yes, it's natural for you body to start craving more hearty, warmer dishes ( soup on soup on soup) but that doesn't mean to skip your leafy friends. Good thing is you can incorporate them into your soups, your warmer dishes and of course your green smoothies and juice. Now I will admit, that during the cooler months, it is very hard for me to want to drink a cold juice or smoothie, it's just as simple as my body wants warmer dishes and I am one that if you have to force it down, don't do it. I have learned to listen to my body and if I wake up wanting a green smoothie and it's 40 degrees outside I make one, but if not, I make one of my faves, Hot Chocolate Green Smoothie! Yassss... you read that right. You get all the goodness of your green smoothie and blended with my personal fave hot chocolate and you have yourself one hell of yummy breakfast treat!

What You Need: 

2 cups spinach, fresh
2 cups unsweetened almond milk, warmed
1 ripe banana (riper the better)
1 tbsp. maple syrup
2-4 tbsp. cacao powder, to taste (more if you want a deeper chocolate taste)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. of almond butter or peanut butter ( optional)

Directions: 
1. Blend spinach and almond milk together
2. Combine the rest of the ingredients and blend on low working to your high ( if you are using a vitamix) for 3- 5 minutes or until steamy hot. If you are using a normal blender, just blend then reheat over stove until hot. 
3. Serve and Enjoy!

 

2. Warm Turmeric Milk! This is a game changer ( especially if you are feeling a little under the weather - maybe having tummy issues). This is such a nice treat after a long day and the turmeric and cinnamon together make for an unexpected delicious combo. Turmeric is hella good for you- you can read all about it HERE. But for this little concoction you need the following: 
2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp. turmeric 
1 cinnamon stick of 1 tsp. of cinnamon 

Directions: 
1. Place all ingredients in pan and heat on stove on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
2. Serve and enjoy! 

3. Everything in moderation! Bring on the food, is what November and December should have written underneath it in our calendars. From family gatherings (where there's tons of food) to work parties (where you guess it tons of food) to candy from Halloween still lingering around the house, food is everywhere. But don't avoid it - just make a plan. If you are going to a party after work and you know there will be lots of eats around, maybe for breakfast and lunch drink a smoothie or have soup and then that night you won't feel so guilty about indulging. And when you are at these parties, you don't have to eat everything you see. Maybe split that dessert you have your eye on with your bestie or hunky date OR just skip everything and dive head first into that dessert. 

4. Drink Coconut Water! Aim to drink at least 8oz. of coconut water daily, whether you toss it in your smoothies/juice or drink it alone. But if you are feeling a bit yucky, instead of reaching for those sugary drinks like ( Gatorade) grab that coco water and refuel and recharge with something natural instead. Read more on benefits on Coconut Water HERE.

5. Keep those sweat sessions going!  Don't neglect getting in your daily sweat sesh beauty! You want those happy endorphins pumping through your veins especially if your family stresses you out. So I know things get super hectic this time of year, so make sure to schedule your workout in. I've personally learned if I don't write it in my calendar, I don't do it so I make it a point to make time for my workouts. If you have to get up 30 minutes early to fit it in, DO IT! Your mind, body and soul will thank you for it. 

What are some things you do to keep those healthy vibes flourishing during the holidays/winter months? Comment below, would love to hear!

Be Balanced. Live Spontaneously. Do YOU!

Stacie