As we go full-steam into the busy holiday season, we’re featuring guest posts from three wellness professionals who specialize in helping parents feel more centered and energized. On January 23, coaches Cory Halaby and Molly Shrewsberry and nutritionist Stacy Kennedy are also leading the Wellesley Wellness Retreat, where they’ll teach moms strategies for self-care and managing family life all year long. If you live anywhere near the Boston area, register now for the morning program as well as yoga, private coaching sessions, nutritional counseling, and massage in the afternoon. It’s sure to be a motivational and relaxing day. Consider it a holiday gift to yourself—and your loved ones.
Today, I got some major motivation from Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, a nutritionist at Dana Farber-Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston as well as a licensed personal trainer and fitness instructor. Stacy is featured in the award-winning documentary, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and works as the nutritionist for its affiliated company, Reboot with Joe. While many of us think of this month as a free pass to indulge in the snacks and sweets of the season, Stacy makes a case for trying to eat healthier than ever. Here are her top-four strategies—and some delicious nourishing recipes.
Hydrate with herbs. Choose a calming herbal tea over that extra cappuccino. Excessive caffeine can ramp up heart rate and contribute to feeling stressed and jittery. Herbal teas like ginger and lemon or chamomile help warm you up, keep you hydrated, and may exert calming effects.
Go for greens. Magnesium rich foods like kale, Swiss chard, collards and mustard greens can all help to regulate metabolism and stress hormones. Try a Roasted Pumpkin Salad, Green Smoothie, or Hearty but Healthy Soup.
Pick potassium. Foods naturally high in potassium like bananas in this Cinnamon Chai Protein Smoothie, avocado in these Fresh Veggie Enchiladas, sweet potato like these simple, tasty “fries”, and winter squash in this Harvest Cinnamon Spice Juice can help keep blood pressure in check.
Sip while shopping. Bring a juice or smoothie to sip on while shopping, and eat a healthy snack before heading out to work, errands, or your third holiday pageant of the week. Whether you’re shopping or attending one of the many events sprinkled throughout the season, there are rich and extreme calorie laden snacks everywhere. The fuller on nutrients you are, the better you’ll feel; more energized and resilient to resist temptation or at least make wise choices.
—Stacy
To find out more about the Wellesley Wellness Retreat and register yourself or a loved one, go to the website here. The event will be on January 23, with morning and afternoon sessions.
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