I am no Grinch, I love the movie, and love the holidays but often worry about staying healthy through the holidays. Last year a nasty stomach bug managed to catch us and it definitely took away from enjoying family time.

Obviously, some things cannot be helped, but just taking simple steps through the holiday season will result in a stronger immune system and a healthier body overall.

Simple Tips for Staying Healthy through the Holidays: 

  #1.  Support your immune system.

Taking VitC on a daily basis helps keep your immune system strong and healthy. As an antioxidant it also helps neutralize toxins and free radicals, especially working in the stomach to help properly digest potentially carcinogenic foods such as meats high in nitrates (think Christmas ham).

This is the Vitamin C we currently take. It’s non-gmo and contains ascorbates rather than ascorbic acid, we tend to do better with that. Not the best out there I’m sure, but we are happy with it and the price is really good.

  #2. Soak up the Sun. (Vit. D)

A 2010 study suggests that Vitamin D is effective in fighting off the flu. VitD is often called the “Happy Vitamin” since it affects energy levels and boosts one’s mood. It stands to reason that a happier, more energetic person is far less likely to become ill, than one who is tired and lethargic all the time.

Winter offers far less sun than summer does, so take advantage of the sunshine. Sit with bare arms, legs and face in the sunlight streaming in your windows and enjoy a book, or a cup of coffee while soaking up those warm rays. 

Drink organic milk and use butter from grass-fed cows as a natural way to increase your VitD intake. A good Vitamin D3 supplement is also important.

However I cannot currently recommend a supplement for VitD. Most VitD supplements are derived from Lanolin (sheep’s wool) and sheep are often sprayed with pesticides before shearing. Thus I’m looking into an organic vegetarian Vit. D3 supplement but have yet to decide which one is best.

If you have researched VitD supplements and believe you have found the best, please share it with me!

  #3 Get Plenty of Fresh Air

Yes, I know that fresh air in the winter is COLD but indoor air is often stale and polluted. Just getting out for 5-10 minutes a day is a great way to fill your system with fresh, clean air and feel refreshed and invigorated!

When the day is warm… -er, like 50 degrees in the middle-of-winter warmer, I will open windows for a few minutes. Yes the house gets chilly but it really helps freshen the air.

If you are in a large gathering of people, go outside for a few minutes of fresh air every hour or so. All those warm bodies mean warmer air and more moisture in that air, making it easy for germs to thrive.

Diffusing oils is another great way to clear the air at home. Especially when it’s been far too cold to get some fresh air inside. YL’s Purification blend is great for this, but I also like the dT On Guard, if you have a favorite, go for it!

#4 Drink Lots of Water

Keeping your body hydrated helps flush germs from your system. It especially keeps your mucus membranes hydrated and helps them achieve their full potential of filtering out germs and bacteria.

At a party or gathering, keeping a cup of water in your hands, or nearby helps overcome “the munchies”. Drinking water is far better than overindulging in snacks and sweets.

#5 Eat Real Foods

Avoid processed and quick foods on a daily basis. You cannot avoid what is served at parties or gatherings, and there are always a few Christmas treats to be enjoyed.

While at home you are the one in control of your food, so make sure it’s food the way the Good Lord intended it. How your food was raised, directly impacts the nutrients it delivers to your system. Look for non-gmo sustainably raised foods first, with organic being an option if you can afford it.

Making your own treats to bring to gatherings is also helpful. I made these gingerbread men to take and give to our son who is gluten-free. He will get a treat, but one that won’t make him sick.

#6 Sleep and Exercise

All things in moderation, but these two are necessary. I struggle with this a bit because lately blogging can only happen when a very busy toddler is sleeping. Aiming for 8 hours of sleep a night is good as it gives your body an optimal amount of time to “reset”.

I don’t “exercise” not in the traditional way at least! But when you are always moving around, it keeps your blood flowing and the lymphatic system moving like it should. I try to spend at least 75% of my awake time moving around.

But pregnancy fatigue has kicked in and some days it’s easier to just lie down and let the toddler romp all over you. 🙂

#7 Ditch the Chemical Cleaners

Yes, you read that right. With colds and flu running rampant the first thing we want to do is sanitize. But before you grab bleach, lysol or hand sanitizer, consider this:

• Certain chemicals in common household cleaners are linked to fertility issues, autoimmune disorders, asthma, allergies, and cancer.
• We currently do not know just how many chemicals are out there as hundreds of new ones are created and released each year.
• These chemicals are NOT tested for safety and are NOT regulated in any way.
• There are NO legal requirements for labeling of ingredients in common household cleaners.
• It is my opinion that in the “survival of the fittest” we are creating super bugs and stronger viruses by using chemical like this.
• More reading here.

Cleaning without chemicals is something I’ve had to do for years (health issues). I know first hand how hard it is to always get something clean without chemicals.

About 3 weeks ago I learned of “silver cloth”. Silver is a natural antibacterial and antibiotic. We’ve used colloidal silver for years to treat bacterial infections like pink eye, and strep. Now, just NOW I’m learning that silver can also be bound to fibers in clothing (called X-Static) and cleaning cloths!

What I discovered was Norwex, a microfiber cloth WITH silver in it! I was going to try to use words to explain all about it, and then discovered the following video. It’s pretty long, but the first part was so interesting that I’m embedding it below for you to watch. Absolutely incredible!

How awesome is that?!?!

With just one cloth you can eliminate most chemical cleaners in your home! And think of the $$$ you will save. 🙂

Like the consultant in this video stated, the hostess rewards are pretty awesome, and that’s why I’m hosting a party. I had a few friends over last night that were very excited to learn about this chemical free way of cleaning. Now I’m sharing it with you. 🙂

Visit Norwex.biz to see all the latest products available. Use the site to find a consultant and shop under her, OR… make my day and order through my party! (seriously it would mean a lot to me!)

To order through my party:

• Visit Norwex
• Browse the products and write down the ones you want (think Christmas gifts)
• Call my consultant (info below) and give her your order.
• Party closes on the 10th to ensure ample time for Christmas delivery

Consultant Info:

Cara Garber
937-417-9562

Thank you so much for helping make my party a success! Consider booking one of your own and discovering the hostess rewards for yourself 🙂

Back to Staying Healthy Through the Holidays:

My final tip is to indulge wisely.

Choose one or two favorite treats and take a small amount. Savor that flavor, enjoy each little bite and make it last. You will find yourself satisfied and full by doing so.

Do you have any tips for staying healthy through the holidays that missed?