The holidays are supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful. Vitamins A and C plus the minerals magnesium and zinc help us deal with stress and they support immunity so that we don’t spoil our fun by getting the flu. Unfortunately, stress depletes those key nutrients. |
(The sugar in holiday foods has that effect too, so that’s another reason we should go easy with them.) Years ago my extended family adopted strategies that have made the season a lot less hectic. We draw names instead of trying to buy something for every last person. We also create potluck meals rather than having the host go nuts. (We sign up by email for a category so we don’t end up with 10 green bean casseroles.) It helps to take a few deep breaths and remember the reason for the season. Martie Whittekin, CCN |