The holidays are a beautiful time to exhale, relax and indulge a little.  I believe that Marie Lloyd’s words still ring true: “A little of what you fancy does you good.” 

However, there is nothing worse than having January roll around and suddenly being an extra 10 pounds heavier from holiday excess. No one should face a New Year like that! Eating an abundance of raw, living foods, especially during the holidays, will keep your vibe and looks at an all-time high. Below are some helpful ideas to help embody health and beauty over the holidays.

Holidays for Health and Beauty

The parties!  The holiday stress! The temptations!

Take a deep breath and smile because you more able to experience the richness of the holiday season than you think!

Plan to stay centered on socializing: mingle, dance, take someone for a walk, play games, look through family albums, tell the children a story, sit on Santa’s lap or hang out near the mistletoe, and laugh a lot!  Enjoy the spirit of the season and connecting with friends and family, more than focusing on food. Hold your intention to focus on what is most meaningful to you about holiday gatherings. 

My Top 10 Tips for Holiday Eating

And, when you do indulge in holiday fare, here are some helpful ideas:

1. Be prepared. The holidays bring up different emotions including fear that we will over-eat, and the inevitable guilt that follows.  Many women have anxiety during the holidays around the endless buffets of food available. We should shift this conversation right here!  You are a powerful woman capable of making choices that serve you, and food has no power over you Set your intention for how you want to move through your holidays. It is actually a wonderful time to practice and strengthen your commitment to honoring yourself as the beautiful, worthy and valuable woman you truly are!

2. Wear a particular piece of jewelry that makes you feel like a queen. And whenever you touch it or look at it during the festivities, let it serve as a sparkling reminder of the beauty and inner light that naturally radiates from you. The holidays are a magical time and you are going to shine this year, inside and out!

3. Fill up on a gorgeous green smoothie—that has lots of fresh fruit and green leaves of spinach or parsley—right before heading out the door so you do not arrive hungry. A healthy smoothie or snack that is high in fiber will fill you before you get to the party and will set the tone for the entire night.

4. Bring a large salad, dressing or raw dessert, one that you are excited about indulging in and will be proud to share.  Everyone loves dessert and I have offered several decadent desserts and ideas below.

5. Be a sexy sampler.  One bite of this, one bite of that.  A little taste here and there will not hurt, and will help you feel festive, not deprived.  Keep to your usual regimen, and then sprinkle in a little bit of naughtiness here and there. Have fun!

6. Pass on the pastry and deep fried appetizers, and instead, create a pretty rainbow plate of whatever raw crudités or fruit are available. Remember, the first taste is with your eyes--You can create a plate that will be a feast for all your senses!

7. Drink lots of water with lime, out of an elegant wine goblet to feel fabulous!  Bring your own pomegranate, blueberry or favorite fresh juice. Add sparkling water for a special treat and garnish with fresh mint or a pretty slice of lime. You will stay fresh, pretty and hydrated all night!

8. Chew wisely. Savor each and every bite.  Do not forget to breathe. Maybe even carry portable chopsticks like I do—they will remind you to slow right down. Take small bites, put your cutlery down in between each one, and sip water. Stay attuned to your breathing and enjoy the ambience of the occasion.  

9. Carry a small bottle of Spirulina capsules tucked in your handbag and take about 4 an hour or so before the party.  They are a whole food supplement made from seaweed that contains an abundance of protein and minerals, which helps to suppress the appetite.

10. Connect more deeply with yourself and everyone. To align yourself with your intention to embody the essence of the festivities and de-stress, here are a few ideas to try:

• Turn on some relaxing music while getting ready or upbeat tunes and dance around to get your blood flowing

• Sing in the shower

• Have a calming lavender bath before each event to center and pamper yourself and get you out of your thought-stream and into your body

That is where your pleasure is, and that is where your power is. Celebrate and acknowledge yourself so you are filled up even before the celebrations begin.

Shakaya’s Raw Gourmet Holiday Recipes:

Zucchini Manicotti
Pomegranate Peace Pie
Spice Nog
Winter ‘Wine’

For recipe ideas, visit earthempress.com.

Shannon 'Shakaya' Leone