Nutrition & Lifestyle

As the holiday season rolls around, it's hard not to get swept up in the allure of lavish meals, decadent desserts, and endless feasting with friends and family. I've been there—caught between the joy of holiday indulgence and the nagging concern that perhaps my body doesn't quite share the same enthusiasm. Balancing gut health with holiday treats might seem like walking a tightrope, but with a mindful approach, it can be a harmonious dance. So, let's explore five grounded ways to keep our gut healthy while savoring the festivities, because, after all, who says you can't have your fruitcake and eat it too?

In the hustle and bustle of holiday road trips, sticking to healthy eating habits can seem like a daunting task. The allure of fast food stops and convenience store snacks is never far from reach, especially when hunger strikes amid the seemingly endless miles. Yet, consider this: healthy eating doesn't have to take a backseat just because you're on the road. With a little planning, you can have a car stocked with snacks that not only satisfy but also nourish.

I’ve always been a morning drink person. Not in the “don't talk to me until I’ve had coffee” kind of way (okay, sometimes that too), but more in the ritual sense. There’s something about that first warm sip—whether it’s from a mug of green tea, a splash of lemon in hot water, or a rich cup of dark roast—that signals a new start, a little grounding, and, hopefully, a little digestion support too.

At around 2:45 p.m., my brain hits a wall. Not the dramatic kind—just a subtle fade-out. Suddenly, I’m staring at the screen wondering what I just read, reaching for a second coffee, and contemplating if I’ve always been this tired or if it’s just today.

There’s something magical about the chaos of Thanksgiving Day—the laughter, the family stories that get a little more dramatic each year, the triumphant clink of dishes coming out of the oven just in time. But by Friday? That fridge starts looking like a game of culinary Jenga. Stack after stack of containers. Turkey. Mashed potatoes. Cranberry sauce. That one relative’s “experimental” green bean side.