RN Advice: Holiday Inflammation

I love this time of the year with the turning foliage, pumpkins baking in the oven and toasty fires but frankly this saying is right on.  Halloween is the beginning of abundant comfort food meals and baked treats.  Couple that with increased stress – a toxic combination that leads to INFLAMMATION. Do not fear, with a little planning, the holidays do not have to include this toxic ingredient.

Inflammation is caused by many things including but not limited to refined sugar, processed foods (including wheat and corn), polyunsaturated oils including omega-6 fat and nuts, ALCOHOL and STRESS.

Remember this: Two things can not occupy the same space!  When we imbibe in inflammatory foods, our liver stops its job of fat burning to process the toxic food.  While the liver is breaking down the inflammatory food, the byproducts circulate in our body causing:

• Joint pain
• Fluid retention
• Abdominal bloatedness
• Susceptibility to illness
• Allergy symptoms
• Exacerbation of chronic illnesses
• Mood swings
• Cravings

Since I am surrounded by family and co-workers who do not embrace the GT journey, I take responsibility to prevent personal temptation.  No candy was handed out to the ghosts and goblins this past Halloween; trinket toys were the hit of the neighborhood. Cooking in bulk a couple times a week keeps ‘fast’ healthy food ready to eat as well as frozen Coconut Macaroons to satisfy a sweet tooth.

This holiday will have me increasing my awareness of SELF CARE that includes JOURNALLING, increased MEDITATION, REST, and WATER intake.  Holiday get togethers will have me bringing my own food and several GT approved dishes to pass: baked yam/apples with maple syrup, fresh vegetables, and pumpkin soufflé for dessert. Holidays are stressful enough without experiencing inflammation and symptoms of detox.  What is YOUR PLAN to eliminate temptation and the consumption of inflammatory foods?

Coach Peggi Ingram, RN BSN, PT

peggi@genesistransformation.com

224-217-1490