Creating Balance Around The Holidays

The holiday season is a joyful time, filled with festivities and family gatherings. However, it can also be a period of imbalance, especially when it comes to eating habits and managing stress. At Aura Natural Market, we believe in embracing the festivities while maintaining a balance in eating habits and making time for self-care. This balance is essential for our physical and mental well-being, ensuring we enjoy the holidays to their fullest.

A Mindful Approach to Eating Habits

Holidays often revolve around food, and it's easy to overindulge. Here's how you can maintain a healthy balance:

Mindful Eating: This holiday season, try to be more present during meals. Chew slowly, savour each bite, and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. This approach not only enhances the enjoyment of your meals but also helps prevent overeating.

Balance Your Plate: Aim for a colourful plate; include a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This ensures a diverse intake of nutrients.

Portion Control: Enjoy your holiday favourites in moderation. It's okay to indulge, but be mindful of portion sizes.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. It's easy to mistake thirst for hunger.

Time for Self = The Ultimate Holiday Gift

In the midst of holiday preparations and celebrations, it’s vital to remember to take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish; it's essential. Here are some ways to make time for yourself:

Schedule "Me Time": Just as you would schedule holiday shopping or baking, schedule time for yourself. Whether it's a quiet coffee in the morning, a short walk, or a relaxing bath in the evening, make it a non-negotiable part of your day.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness practices or meditation into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Physical Activity: Regular physical activity, whether it's yoga, a gym session, or a brisk walk, can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Stress-Reducing Supplements

The holiday season can be stressful, but nature offers several supplements that can help:

St. Francis Lemon Balm: This herb is a wonderful natural remedy for reducing anxiety and promoting calmness. It can also aid in better sleep, which is often compromised during busy times.

Cymbiotika Magnesium L-Threonate: This form of magnesium is known for its ability to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly beneficial for relieving stress and improving brain health.

Eversio Wellness Chill Now Reishi Mushroom: Reishi mushrooms are not only immune-boosting but also have adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress and promoting overall balance.

Nourishing Turmeric Mylk Recipe

One great way to reduce stress, take time for self-care, and nourish your body all at once is through a comforting cup of Turmeric Mylk. This simple, warming beverage not only provides the health benefits of turmeric but also offers a moment of calm in your busy day.

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help combat inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Did you know adding just a small amount of black pepper can significantly enhance the absorption of turmeric in your body? 

Ingredients:

-2 cups of milk (dairy or dairy-free, like almond, coconut, or soy milk)
-1 teaspoon ground turmeric (or a fresh turmeric root, grated)
-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
-A pinch of black pepper
-Sweetener of choice (Maple Syrup)

Instructions:

1. Start by warming your chosen milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Mix in ground turmeric. For a fresher flavour, finely grate fresh turmeric root and stir it into the milk. (Optional) For an extra layer of flavour, sprinkle in some ground cinnamon.
3. Gently swirl the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Add a small pinch of black pepper to boost the turmeric's bioavailability.
5. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then. Be mindful and avoid boiling.
6. Sweeten the mixture to your liking with your favourite sweetener, stirring until fully dissolved.
7. Once the mixture is heated and blended, take the saucepan off the heat.
8. Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh strainer to filter out any spice residues or pieces of fresh turmeric.
9. Serve the warm, fragrant turmeric mylk in your favourite cups or mugs. Enjoy!

At Aura Natural Market, we are committed to helping you achieve a balanced and healthy holiday season. Visit us for a wide range of organic foods, supplements, and wellness products that support your health journey. Remember, balance is key to enjoying the holidays to the fullest while taking care of your body and mind.

Happy Holidays!

-Aura Natural Market