Celebrate the festive season with simple, health-conscious choices that keep the joy alive while supporting your well-being. Replace sugary desserts with wholesome, homemade options such as dried fruit or dark chocolate. Choose whole-grain flours for your baking to add extra fiber and nutrients. Use herbs and spices to flavor dishes instead of heavy, creamy sauces. Opt for lean proteins like turkey, fish, or grilled vegetables for lighter yet satisfying meals. Stay refreshed by choosing water or herbal teas instead of sugary drinks. And don’t forget to add movement to your celebrations! Remember that if you choose to enjoy traditional festive treats – moderation is key!
Community News
Clean Eating Recipe
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups. 1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
Honouring Loved Ones at Christmas
Christmas can be bittersweet when remembering loved ones who have passed. It’s a time to cherish their memory while embracing the joy of the season. Light a candle or hang a special ornament in their honor. Share stories, photos, or favorite traditions that keep their spirit alive. You might prepare their favorite dish or play a song they loved. Creating a small memorial space or donating to a cause they cared about can bring comfort and meaning. Remembering them allows love to live on, reminding us that those we’ve lost remain part of our hearts and holiday celebrations forever.
Avoid the Winter Blues
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.
Clean Eating Recipe
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups. 1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
Clean Eating Recipe
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups. 1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
Managing Dry Skin & Eczema
Cold weather and low humidity can strip the skin of its natural moisture, often worsening dryness and eczema. To protect the skin barrier, use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and apply a rich moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in hydration. Avoid long, hot showers, which can further dry out the skin. Using a humidifier indoors helps maintain moisture in the air, preventing irritation and flaking. For eczema flare-ups, applying medicated creams as prescribed and wearing soft, breathable fabrics can reduce itching. Consistent skincare and environmental adjustments can greatly improve comfort and prevent painful dryness throughout the winter season.
Holiday Brain Teasers
1. I can travel all around the world just like Santa Claus without ever leaving my corner. What am I? 2. How far can reindeer run into the woods? 3. If it takes 5 elves 5 minutes to make 5 dolls, how long would it take 100 elves to make 100 dolls?
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Q: What’s a parent’s favourite Christmas carol? A: Silent night!
Brain Teaser Answers
1. A stamp. 2. Halfway. After that, they’re running out of the woods.3. It takes one elf 5 minutes to make one doll. Therefore 100 elves making 100 dolls would still take 5 minutes!
Words to Live By
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
