THE FOOD MOOD CONNECTION
Believe it or not, the Holidays are already upon us! The second Halloween was over, people’s focus shifts to Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hannukah, and while these are supposed to be joyful times of the year, more often they are filled with stress and anxiety. For many people, the holidays are the toughest time of the year, with extra activities, mile-long to-do lists, and constant entertaining high on the roster of major stress inducers. So how do we stay sane and healthy during this totally nutso time of year?

The first thing we need to do is check out how many chemicals we’re taking in. By “chemicals” I don’t mean things kitchen cleaner or laundry detergent… I mean any substance (like refined white sugar, caffeine or alcohol) that drastically and quickly alters your energy levels. Refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol all have this effect, and often come with a pretty lame “crash” afterward. This physical roller coaster of ups and downs from these substances is not limited to just increases or decreases in energy, but also drastic changes in our moods! Have you ever felt yourself getting irritable as your coffee high wears off? Does a bag of M&M’s or a donut pump you up and make you giddy or excited? If so, you’re riding the chemical roller coaster!

Add up those chemical induced ups and downs, the mood swings and irritability the incredible amounts of holiday stress and you’ve got the a perfect storm. No wonder we all end up with the flu in January!

This holiday season, focus on adding more naturally sweet foods to your diet, like sweet potatoes, roasted carrots, and of course, pumpkin! What’s great is that these foods are all in season right now. These sweet foods will help satisfy your sweet cravings naturally, without having to turn to chemicalized, highly processed forms of sugar. If you’re making baked goods (as I’m sure you will be) use the highest quality, preferably organic (non-organic foods provide a whole other collection of chemicals!) ingredients available and substitute natural sweeteners for refined white sugar.

For your favorite holiday baked goods, try substituting maple, sorghum, or brown rice syrups, molasses, agave nectar, date sugar, or raw honey. For more information on natural sweeteners, check out my blog post from last year HERE.