The holidays are upon us - To indulge or not to indulge?
Gut health and autoimmune health are intimately connected. So, focusing on foods that promote gut health makes sense. A functioning gut provides a good balance of bacteria helping your body process and gets energy from the foods you eat, clear toxins, fight against disease, and boost your mood.
But hey, it’s the holidays; how can we make it through and protect that autoimmune system?!
“Listening to my body was something I had to learn once I had my autoimmune diagnosis, and is now something I am very in tune with as I navigate the road to recovery from rheumatoid arthritis through diet and lifestyle,” says Daniela Exley, a Naturopathic Nutritionist (Dip CNM), and the maven behind @beetspulseandthyme.
Food is essential, but focusing on the perfect menu won't get you the results you're hoping for.
So how can we indulge and keep in mind that we want to live a healthy lifestyle?
We can help you on this journey, with this sample recipe from Daniela’s book 28-Day Mind and Body Reset. A perfect recipe for the holiday season ahead that is healthy AND delicious!
Chocolate Orange Bites
Ingredients:
2 cups almonds
20 dates
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tbsp coconut oil
8 drops of wild orange essential oil
Raw cacao in these beauties is full of antioxidants, great for heart health, brain function and mood-boosting!
Dates and almonds are good sources of plant-based calcium.
Lastly, we’ve flavoured these with 100% pure food-grade Wild Orange essential oil.
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend well until the mixture comes together. Tip out onto a large sheet of parchment paper, fold the paper over the mixture and roll out to approx 1cm thickness using a rolling pin. Leave as is on the parchment paper, transfer onto a tray and chill in the fridge for a minimum of one hour.
When ready to serve, cut up into squares and display with edible flowers and clementine segments.
While the pressure of the holiday season is upon us, and as you begin to make and indulge in those chocolate orange bites, remember to pay attention to the other health pillars so you make it through happy and healthy!
Quality sleep
Get enough sleep! Listening to your body and following the natural circadian rhythm.
Some Movement
Go to a gym or dance, go for a walk, anything goes as long as you move and take a break from the dinner table!
Time in nature Daylight regulates the production of melatonin; the sun helps synthesise vitamin D, and the sounds, smells and colours of nature help the brain relax and regenerate.
Schedule some creative time
Cooking can be creative; try new recipes from Daniela’s excellent book and indulge mindfully!
If not, no worries. We will share more great recipes in the new year for our newsletter subscribers; subscribe now, so you don’t miss out!
