Nothing seems to scare my clients more – than the holiday season. A time that is supposed to be filled with excitement for family time, no work, and often beautiful locations turns into a time they dread thanks to old wounds, triggers, and societal pressure about everything. The two things that come with the holiday season seem to be food (and a lot of it) and judgment. I hope that after reading this today, you’ll lose the fear of both of those and see how food can be medicine even over this time of year. I’ve also thrown in one of my favorite holiday recipes. To bring us into that festive cheer, I’m going to end with The Magic Plate: your recipe for holiday health and joy. (Keep reading.)

Food as Medicine and the Power of Perspective in Your Holiday Season.

This year, we are choosing more than what we put on our plate. We are choosing a new perspective. You already know food is so much more than just what we’re eating. It’s tradition, time together, and medicine if we choose it.

At the Gut Health Agency, we’ve been working on becoming more and more aware of our internal worlds instead of turning to the outside world to tell us how we should be feeling about our food choices, products, and even our medication choices. Today, it’s time to take back the holidays.

Holidays mean more time to prepare meals. That means the holiday season can be a chance to spend more time creating meals that nourish you and your loved ones. What says I love you more than serving and enjoying food that gives you vitality and promotes health?

The next perspective shift is from restriction to embracing abundance.

Elimination and restriction have never worked long-term. Worst of all, it doesn’t make us happy. It is possible to shift to embracing abundance and ditching restriction and elimination for good. Choose diverse whole-food ingredients, prepare your own meals, and use the magic plate method. These simple steps will be all you need for your most joyful and abundant festive season.

Feel your way into a Fulfilling Festive and Holiday Season.

I know everything I said is easier said than done. So let me show you the effort will be worth it: YOU DESERVE A FULFILLING FESTIVE SEASON. I was sitting with my girlfriends recently, talking about our plans for this time of year, and instead of being excited, I got angry. Listening to their worries and thoughts about how to stay slim during this time broke my heart. Have we not spent enough Christmas seasons worrying and missing out?

Food is meant to be enjoyed! This is why I choose to add whole foods to my plate instead of thinking about what I shouldn’t have. That way, I know I am nourishing myself with all the micro and macro nutrients I need and avoiding the “elimination” mindset. Instead, I allow myself to enjoy all the foods I want in varying amounts.

Adding Food to the Plate, Not Eliminating.

Nourishment first. Whenever I have a meal or snack, I choose to enjoy the most nourishing foods first. I make sure to have several stopping points in the day to ensure I’m hydrated. That way, when I want a delicious treat, I know it’s something my body (and heart buds) can enjoy. This means I won’t be as prone to binge because I’ve refrained from restricting my calories and treats.

The Magic Plate for Stable Blood Sugar and Gut Health

This brings us to The Magic Plate. (yay!)

Every time I sit down for a meal, I look for the following components to make up most of my plate.

• Protein
• Essential Fat
• Fiber
• Bonus: COLOR!

This combination on my plate helps stabilize my blood sugar, and because I’m incorporating fiber, I know I’m feeding my gut, too. Having a happy gut over the holidays will help my cravings, energy levels, and mood, so it is a win-win situation.

Let’s face it – any situation that can help reduce those “hangry” episodes is welcomed!

If you’d like to learn more about some of our favorite tricks and tips, the Gut Health Agency is our idea of the perfect gift for yourself. 😉

Gut Loving Holiday Recipe: Brussels (or Broccoli) and Bean Dip

Last year, I got to make this recipe, and I felt so great afterward that I got excited thinking about sharing it with you this time of year and making it for my loved ones over the festive season.

I recently made it again with broccoli (hence the photo), which was also a winner! Both brussels and broccoli fall into the cruciferous vegetable family (a family of veggies I try to consume daily). The bean dip is packed with protein and makes this dish so creamy and delicious.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts on Butter Bean Dip with Za’atar

Ingredients:

Crispy Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Optional: add crumbled cooked bacon for a bit of extra flavor, protein, and fat!

Butter Bean Dip:

• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Sprinkling:

• Za’atar seasoning – an herbal blend!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Crispy Brussels Sprouts:

• In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil until well coated.
• Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Sprinkle sea salt over the Brussels sprouts.

3. Roast the Brussels Sprouts:

• Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden brown, shaking the pan halfway through for even cooking.

4. Prepare the Butter Bean Dip:

• While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the butter bean dip. In a food processor, combine the drained butter beans, minced garlic, tahini, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Process until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Once the Brussels sprouts are crispy, remove them from the oven.
• Spread the butter bean dip on a serving plate or platter, creating a smooth layer.
• Arrange the crispy Brussels sprouts on top of the butter bean dip.
• Sprinkle your cooked and crumbled bacon on top for a bonus!

6. Sprinkle with Za’atar:

• Generously sprinkle the assembled dish with Za’atar seasoning for an added burst of flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the healthy, crispy Brussels sprouts on a bed of butter bean dip immediately. This dish makes a delightful appetizer or side for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious Brussels sprouts creation!

New Year, New Food Perspective for your Holiday

We can’t write a New Year’s Resolutions list if we’re not willing to make those changes now. The best way to go into the new year with this new abundant food perspective is to practice it in the last part of the year.

Forego perfection for prioritization. Prioritizing nutrient-dense choices first. Choosing your mental and physical health. Enjoy food abundantly this year and end the reign of restriction of your food and enjoyment.