Bonjour my holiday loverlies!
What a perfect day to discuss coping with holiday stress, finding your center, and keeping all aspects of your health on track, while holding on to what is truly important at this time of the year.
The holidays are a whirl of activity, a flurry of movement, an avalanche of stress that can overwhelm very quickly and soon you become the Christmas victim. I know you are super busy so I am going to keep this post short and sweet with some calming, healthy, and Godly direction to help us all get through.
One of the most important things is delegating and learning that you NEED to ask for help, stick to your guns about making people keep their commitment to help you, and ignore any guilt that tries to creep in over asking and getting the help you need.
I am serious!
It's about everyone celebrating, that includes you.
This means everybody gets to pitch in.
Now you know, so make simple clear lists, add pictures to them so no mistakes are made, write places to find what is needed, and tell them to get er did!
A very important aspect to getting on track is simple advanced meal prep, make breakfast porridge you can portion & eat through the week, sandwiches, soups, stews, bean salads, snacks, all ready for the week. Do this early on Sunday, I listen to a sermon while I prepare. This makes Monday through Friday a much more pleasant experience. Check Pinterest for recipes and ideas. Here are a few links along with some easy recipes, they taste yummy and are quick to make.
Breakfast:
http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/10/west-indian-cornmeal-porridge.html
http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/07/the-power-up-protein-smoothie.html
http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/07/kiss-my-berries-smoothie.html
Quick Lunch: (Feel free to toss in some extra protein of choice or a sandwich.
HEMP SEED, TOMATO & CUCUMBER SALAD:
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Hemp Heart's
I English cucumber. peeled and deseeded (Taking out the seeds makes cucumber easier to digest because the seeds contain a lot of cellulose that is difficult, sometimes painful to digest.)
2-3 Vine Tomatoes, chopped
1 Bunch Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 Lemon zested and juiced
3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
Method:
-In a bowl, combine all listed ingredients and stir gently.
-Add salt & pepper to taste, then chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Salad must be eaten fresh the same day.
5 INGREDIENT LENTIL LIME & BASIL SALAD:
Ingredients:
2 Cans cooked, rinsed, and drained lentils of your choice.
1 Bunch scallion (green spring onion), chopped
Juice & zest of 2 limes
12 Fresh basil leaves, sliced into a chiffonade (see pic below)
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin olive oil
Method:
-In a bowl gently mix all ingredients together.
-Add salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste.
-Chill 4 hours or overnight, stir gently and taste for enough salt and pepper before serving. Add a bit more if needed.
Salad lasts 3 days in fridge, not suitable for freezing.
Easy Dinner:
This is a great time saving, super duper easy, and oh so delicious recipe.
Warning, it's one that gets gobbled up quickly and the scent wafting through the house will tease your taste buds mercilessly; it's worth it to wait.
SPICE SLATHERED CHICKEN:
Ingredients:
1 Chicken weighing 3-4 lbs
or 5-6 legs with thighs.
Spice slather: (all spices are dry & ground)
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp bayleaf
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp garlic granules
2 Tbsp Mild paprika
1/3 Cup Extra virgin olive oil
2 Cloves pressed garlic
Method:
-In a bowl, mix all spices, fresh garlic, and then mix in olive oil. Be careful to stir slowly so oil doesn't splatter. Reserve.
-Place clean chicken in a shallow baking dish lined with tin foil.
-Very carefully lift skin away from flesh but don't remove it, you want it for cooking.
-Once prepared, put on gloves, begin slathering the wet spice mix 1 tsp at a time under the skin onto the legs, breasts, and then do the same to the skin outside. Keep some for the cavity.
-Rub it into the skin and rub the rest into the cavity.
-Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in fridge minimum 4 hours or overnight.
-Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, cook the uncovered chicken for 15 minutes and then lower the heat to 225 degrees F and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
-Remove from oven and baste, place back in oven for 2 1/2- 3hours.
-Remove from oven, make sure that when you poke the thigh that the juices run clear of blood. If not, then cook for an additional 30 minutes. (I don't usually need to but ovens vary, as do size of chickens. The chicken will fall off the bone when ready.
-When removed from the oven, tent the chicken for 10 mins. before serving.
-Enjoy hot with your favourite potatoes and greens,and share with someone you love.
I would recommend looking through some previous posts for holiday rawfood, energy snacks that are no bake.Next, we go to uber important stuff. It's the fact that you need to rest.
Grab power naps everywhere and anywhere you need to.
Skip late nights for a while and get extra sleep by going to bed early. You can record your favourite shows or movies to catch up on later on, get a massage if you need, and you have my permission to take break and rest!!!!!
Okay, now onto what you may dread.
You do need to exercise but you have no time, no worries. I have that covered too.
This 2 minute workout coupled with a walk during the day (DO IT!!!!!), will be a huge help.
I also included a wake up and goodnight yoga sequence, and exercise ball stuff because it's yoga/exercise ball awesomness! You are welcome.
Lastly, but most importantly, make time for Jesus in your life. Here is a prayer to set you free from all this holiday worry and a reminder about the true meaning behind this season. Now get out there and tackle the week with a simple and effective plan!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.-Isaiah 9:6
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