If the holidays are for you, anything like they are for me, then we are bombarded with so many triggers that the last thing we should do is feel terrible over choices that bring us some JOY (and maybe a little comfort?). And if you’re Type-A like me, you want to nail your healing journey on the first round. Does guilt over “indulging” sound familiar?? Let’s be REAL: sometimes the Caymus or Mimi’s cookies call, and you find joy in that moment. CHEERS to you. I like to stick to 6 fundamental principles before heading out to a party, but honestly? Make them your own. Do what makes you happy and lose the food shaming, guilt, anxiety over possible failure, etc.

6 principles I follow to support my Adrenal Fatigue healing journey:

Have a protein shake before I leave the house
Don’t drink coffee before I leave
Eat food with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt
Eat good fats – avocado, coconut oil, wild-caught salmon
Get in my greens
Eat mindfully and frequently

Let’s dive into why these are important and why they work to keep me in check.

Have a protein shake before leaving the house

I’ve been doing this for a long time, and it helps with binge eating and cravings. Start your day with a protein shake – a game-changer! Prepare it with:

Your favorite protein powder
Almond milk
Some spinach or kale – these greens can give you the energy boost you need to tackle the day!

It’s also a quick and easy option if you’re running late for that early family gathering. You can also pack a protein shake in a to-go jar along with some nuts and a piece of fruit if you’re on the move.

No coffee before leaving the house

As much as we love our morning coffee (I’m guilty, too!), it can cause more harm than good during the holidays. Caffeine can leave you feeling anxious and stressed. That’s the opposite of what you need this time of year! If you must, have a cup of joe in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, opt for green tea or ginger tea, which can calm your nerves and improve digestion. If it gets too late in the day, coffee won’t help you wind down or get adequate sleep.

Eat foods with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt

Try this – add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt or sea salt to your food. It can provide electrolytes and trace minerals and help you stay hydrated. Plus, it can help you feel more satisfied with your meals. This will reduce your urge to snack. Yes, these salts have enough trace minerals to help your adrenals recover!

Eat good fats like avocado, coconut oil, wild-caught salmon

Opt for those good fats – avocado, coconut oil, and wild-caught salmon are essential. They are all great sources of healthy fats that help you feel full so you don’t binge. They can provide the necessary energy to:

Keep you going
Balance your hormones
Regulate your blood sugar levels

You can:

Add avocado to your salad
Replace butter with coconut oil when cooking
Have salmon for lunch or dinner for an added boost of omega-3s

Get in those greens

Green veggies – my fav for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Green veggies help your body get the nutrients it needs to heal. Try adding spinach or kale to your protein shake, have a salad as a side with your lunch or dinner, or sauté some broccoli or asparagus as a healthy snack. Can’t stomach “another salad” for lunch? Get some powdered greens to load up on vitamin C! This will assist the adrenals in making adequate levels of hormones.

Eat mindfully and frequently

Eating frequently and mindfully can help reduce stress while maintaining steady energy levels. Don’t indulge in large meals. Instead, try eating smaller, more frequent ones to keep your metabolism up. Take your time eating, chew your food thoroughly, and enjoy each bite. In addition, eating five small meals will stabilize blood sugar. The holidays are not the day to fast all day and binge on a huge feast!

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is tough, especially during the holidays (trust me – I know!). With these six tips, you can make choices that will keep you on track in your Adrenal Fatigue Healing Journey. Remember to listen to your body, be mindful of what you eat, and find time to relax and enjoy the festive season. Happy Holidays, y’all!