Month: November 2022

While the holidays can be a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, they can also be stressful for many people. From the stress of cooking and buying gifts, to the busy schedules and financial strain, it can be hard for many people to relax and enjoy this time of year. Luckily, with some simple tips, you can reduce stress and enjoy this holiday season with the ones you love. Read along for ways you can reduce holiday stress this year.

Listen to Music
When you have some downtime, a great way to unwind is by listening to music. Studies show listening to music can calm your nervous system and lower cortisol levels, both of which can help reduce stress. Take a break from Christmas carols and opt for something soft and soothing to help you relax this year.

Get Some Fresh Air
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with a house full of people or a to-do list that is a mile long, it may be a good idea to bundle up and spend some time outside. Studies have shown there are many benefits to spending time outdoors, including lowering your blood pressure and stress hormones, helping you relax.

Exercise
One of the best ways to reduce stress any time of the year is through exercise. Not only is exercise necessary for your physical health, it is extremely beneficial for your mental health. Even if you don’t have time to get to the gym during the week, a walk around the neighborhood, an at-home workout, or a yoga class can get your blood pumping and ease your mind.

Rest
While it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is important to make sure you are taking time for yourself to rest and relax. Whether you like to unwind by reading a book, catching up on your favorite TV show, or practicing meditation, it is important to set aside time for yourself to let your mind and body reset.

Limit Your Time on Social Media
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it is a good idea to stay off social media. Scrolling through your feed and seeing everyone’s “perfect” holiday photos can add to your stress and make you feel like you’re not doing enough. It is important to remember that social media only shows a small portion of someone’s life and does not show the full picture. While it may be tough, your mental health will benefit from a break from social media.

Remember What’s Important
Instead of focusing on everything that needs to be done and holiday shopping, try to focus on what’s truly important during this season. Make time for the people you love and try to be truly present in the moment. Chances are, you won’t remember everything you stressed over, but you will remember the memories you make with family and friends.

Don’t let this season of celebration become a time filled with stress and dread. As the stress builds, remember these tips and find ways that work for you to unwind and take care of yourself ensuring you’re enjoying the holidays with the ones you love. From everyone here at Southwoods Health, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Approximately 1 in every 10 Americans is diagnosed with diabetes, which means the holidays can be even trickier for diabetics than they are for everyone else trying to navigate the tempting treats available throughout the season. Those diagnosed with diabetes need to constantly be aware of what and how much they are eating to make sure their blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate too much, causing more serious complications.

From bringing healthier food options to gatherings to enjoying special treats in moderation, there are several things diabetics can do during the holidays to keep their blood sugar levels in check. For those hosting holiday parties, here are a few dishes you can make during the holidays that are healthy and delicious for all of your guests to enjoy!

Orange Baked Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 (14-16 lb) fully cooked, spiral-cut ham on the bone
• 6 garlic cloves
• 8.5 oz orange marmalade
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 orange, zested
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place ham in a heavy roasting pan.
3. Mince the garlic in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the marmalade, mustard, brown sugar, orange zest and orange juice and process until smooth.
4. Pour the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour, until the ham is fully heated and the glaze is well browned.
5. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Source:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/orange-baked-ham-recipe-1944518#/

Chopped Salad with Lemon and Dill

Ingredients:

• 5 cups shredded romaine lettuce (about 1 head)
• 2 cups shredded radicchio (about ½ head)
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dried
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl toss together the romaine, radicchio and scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dill and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Pour the dressing onto the salad and toss.

Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chopped-salad-with-lemon-and-dill-recipe-1946805

Hearty Winter Greens Saute

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch mustard greens, cleaned
• 1 bunch turnip greens, cleaned
• 1 bunch kale, cleaned
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, cleaned
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Remove the center stems from all the greens and slice the leaves into 1/2-inch ribbons.
2. Pour the olive oil into a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic and saute until tender and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the ribbons of mustard greens, turnip greens and kale in batches, adding the next batch as the one prior wilts down.
4. Once those three greens are added to the pot, pour in the broth and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Add the ribbons of Swiss chard and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste for seasoning. Spoon the greens into a large serving dish.

Source:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/hearty-winter-greens-saute-recipe-1973711

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups (12-oz bag) milk chocolate chips, not semi-sweet
• Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.
2. Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth.
3. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Slowly beat this flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips.
6. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges.
7. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.

Source:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe-1946557