Here’s how to merrily munch your way through the festive season.

• Make sure you eat breakfast on Christmas day – this will help to fill you up and you will be less likely to snack on those Christmas chocolates.
• Fill you plate with plenty of vegetables /salad
• If you are having roast veges, cut them into larger chunks – they’ll absorb less fat.  For a healthier choice roast in a small amount of oil such as sunflower or rice bran oil.
• Turkey meat is a low fat choice for Christmas dinner.
• Try making your own gravy instead of using cubes or packets which tend to be high in salt
• When it comes to the traditional Christmas pudding, for a healthy change, instead of serving it with brandy butter, try some natural yoghurt or even fresh fruit.  Or maybe skip the pudding altogether and just have the fruit.  I love the strawberries, raspberries and other fruits available at this time of year.
• Remember to drink plenty of water (1 glass of water for every glass of alcohol).  Add a slice of lemon or lime to the water to help your digestive system.
• For healthy snacks, go for unsalted nuts, dried fruit and avoid anything deep fried.
• Eat slowly!  This way you’ll not only appreciate the taste of what’s in your mouth you’ll also avoid feeling uncomfortably full as you will register “enough” a lot sooner.
• After you’ve eaten get active rather than slump on the sofa – take a brisk walk, play a game or maybe just crank up the music and dance away those calories!

Have a safe and happy Christmas full of love and laughter

Elizabeth

It’s hard to believe another year has flown by but I know I’m not mistaken as Christmas songs are playing on the radio and the shops and malls are decorated to the hilt with Christmas glitz

At this time of year it is very easy to find yourself running around searching for presents, attending one event after another, partying, drinking and generally ‘over indulging’.  It’s little wonder that by the time New Year comes around many of us are feeling exhausted, overweight and stressed.

Why not make a commitment to enter the New Year feeling refreshed, energized and slim. It’s not hard to do…..  Below are 4 tips to consider and between now and Christmas day I’ll be adding more  tips.

1. Exercise – just because it’s the holidays don’t stop your exercise régime.  Staying active
   will help you feel better and help your body rid itself of toxins.
2. Water – talking of toxins don’t forget to drink plenty of water.  Make sure you drink glass of water for every glass of alcohol you drink; this will help stop your body from dehydrating and assist your liver to process toxins.  If you have had one too many drinks then hold your middle finger to help your liver.
3. Nutrition – if you find it difficult to say no to the chocolates and other Christmas food, just have a taste……. you don’t have to eat the whole thing.   Limit your portions size.    If you have over taxed your digestive system, hold your thumb as it will assist your stomach deal with the rich food.  Remember,  try to make healthy choices this Christmas by eating more fruit and vegetables
4. Relaxation/Sleep – Christmas is a great opportunity time to catch up with all your friends and family but it’s also important to take some time out for YOU.
   Get plenty of rest and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.  Your body does its house work during sleep; it cleans, restores and regenerates.  If you party every night and don’t get enough sleep you are not giving your body the opportunity it needs to keep your vitality at its optimum level.   It’s not going to make or break your life if you don’t go to EVERY party.

Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself, take each day as it comes and strive for a
healthier day the next day.

Be Well

Elizabeth

A diagnosis of breast cancer can turn your world upside down and change your life forever. But no matter what stage of the journey you are on, it is important to take some time just for you – time to relax, to grow, to find strength, and to reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit.

The Breast Cancer Nurturing Retreat was offered by Soul Path Journeys and was funded and supported by the Breast Cancer Support Group.  It gave everyone the opportunity to work on building the courage, confidence, and self-acceptance that are essential to coping with the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of breast cancer.  It explored ways to affirm and deepen their sense of wholeness, and focus on their wellbeing.

During the course of the weekend I showed the women many simple Jin Shin Jyutsu holds they could use to assist them during their journey, how to help things such as lymphoedema, what to do when receiving radiation therapy, how to stop feelings of nausea during chemo and a host of other useful tips. Please contact me directly if you wish to know more.

Click here to check out my own story about dealing with breast cancer.

I am looking forward to next year’s retreat.

Be well

Elizabeth

It may be worthwhile to take some time to stop and consider the following before you go to vote:

• Does it serve the greater good – the community or does it serve the ‘individualistic’ view of the world?

• Is our beautiful planet being considered, are we being encouraged to live sustainably? Are our parks and other recreational spaces being preserved?

• Our future are our children – are there commitments to their health, safety and education?