How to Enjoy Your Holiday Meals

When eating over the holidays….

1. Let go of the rules – be easy on yourself and accept that you’ll probably be out of routine and things will change. You will get back into your regular routine soon!
2. Aim to eat whole foods.
3. Eat the protein on your plate first.
4. Aim for daily movement – pre or post-dinner walks with the family.
5. Enjoy yourself and the company around you!

Bonus Immune Winter Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce dried astragalus root
• 4 ounces fresh dandelion root, thinly sliced (or 2 ounces dried)
• 4 ounces fresh burdock root, thinly sliced (or 2 ounces dried)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
• 1 tablespoon dried kelp, dulse, or another sea vegetable
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 5 to 8 medium-sized fresh shitake mushrooms
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup miso paste (any variety)

Instructions:

1. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and reduce heat.
2. Add astragalus, dandelion, burdock, ginger, and sea vegetable; cover and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.
3. Strain, return broth to pot, and keep over medium heat.
4. In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat; add onion and mushrooms, and sauté until tender. Add garlic; sauté for a few more minutes.
5. Add the entire mixture to the broth.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in miso paste.
7. Enjoy!