The phrase “self-care” has been popping up now more than ever as we collectively navigate our new normal in this pandemic. We’ve all needed to take moments for ourselves and our mental health, whether that be through meditation, journaling, exercise, etc. One simple thing that has brought me a sense of comfort is my nightly skin care regimen.
Having struggled with acne and rosacea since my pre-teen years, skin care has become an important part of my daily routine, and it’s only become more necessary in the pandemic. Like many, I’ve needed to wear a mask over my face for long periods of time, and I’m here to tell you that “maskne” is very real. If you’re battling irritated, sensitive skin because of your mask, or want to learn how to incorporate certain calming ingredients into your routine, read on!
Before we begin, I’d like to clarify that while I’m passionate about skin care and have experience using these products, I am not a doctor; if you have serious concerns or issues with your skins, you should always contact an expert for medical advice. That being said, let me walk you through some of the best skin care ingredients that are gentle yet effective for most skin types.
The Order Matters
Before we get into specific ingredients, I want to emphasize the importance of layering products in the correct order. In general, you want to go from the thinnest consistency to the thickest to avoid aggravating skin.
Here’s a basic order to stick with:
Oil-based cleanser or balm (if you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen)
Water-based cleanser (second cleanse to actually clean skin after taking makeup off)
Toner
Serum
Moisturizer
Next, here are the products I’d recommend for a skin care routine that covers all the bases and leaves your skin feeling clean and nourished.
Niacinamide
2020 is truly the year for niacinamide. Niacinamide isn’t exactly new but it’s being featured in more and more products this year, and for good reason. As a form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is known for being both gentle and anti-inflammatory. It’s wonderful for sensitive skin because it helps repair your skin’s protective barrier. Both oily and dry skin can also reap its benefits, as it tightens pores and locks in moisture. Niacinamide can be found in all types of products, but I like to make sure it’s in my moisturizer for the best effect. At night I use Olay’s Hungarian Water Essence Calming Facial Moisturizer. It has one of the most simple ingredient lists I have found and is fragrance free, which is always desirable if you’re working with sensitive skin.
Anything with the word acid in it used to have me running. I thought all acids would essentially burn my sensitive skin. It turns out I was very wrong! Not only is salicylic acid one of the most tried and true skin care ingredients for unclogging pores, but it’s also anti-inflammatory. Using it in a wash is the one of the most gentle methods for clearing acne if your skin is easily irritated. My favorite salicylic acid product is CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser; it’s affordable and kind to any skin type.
You’re probably thinking that a retinoid would wreak havoc on your already inflamed skin, but hear me out. Incorporating a retinoid into your nightly skin care routine just 3 times a week can tremendously improve adult acne, as well as fight wrinkles. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that increase cell turnover in the skin. This means your skin will always look fresh and wrinkle free. However, not all retinoids are created equal. My skin has gotten used to Tretinoin, which is prescription strength retinoic acid. If you’re just delving into the world of retinoids, I recommend trying retinol first. It has a lower, more tolerable concentration of retinoic acid. You can also try bakuchiol, which is a plant extract that will deliver similar results without the irritation.
Plant-Derived Ingredients
Plants have been used to take care of skin ailments for centuries, so why mess with a good thing? Three of my favorite plant-derived ingredients are evening primrose oil, rosehip oil, and oats. Rosehip oil has vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and won’t break you out. I don’t use oils daily, but it can be a treat to put this on with a jade roller after applying moisturizer. Evening primrose oil and oats can both be calming to the skin. One of my favorite products for days where my skin feels dry and inflamed contains both! Dermalogica’s Ultra Calming Serum Concentrate is great if you’re experiencing rashes or chafing from your mask.
I’ve experimented with so many skin care products, but these are the ones I’ve found the most effective for calming, nourishing, and protecting sensitive skin. Improving the look and feel of your skin can sound like a frivolous goal, but I’ve realized that a consistent skincare routine is a powerful act of self-care. All of us lead busy lives, and taking care of ourselves is a way to ensure that we are in the best position to take care of others.
Each and every new year, we find ourselves pressured to remember the same few things; we’re told to reflect on the year behind us and set goals for the year ahead. Yet, it feels so easy to let the new year slip by, to make an arbitrary commitment to a resolution that won’t last to February (I’m no stranger to the abandoned resolution!). We’ve heard so much about resolutions each year that the words can start to sound hollow, meaningless, trivial. The concept of the New Year’s resolution might make us feel like we have to focus on our failures and resolve to be better people or stop a bad habit or lose an amount of weight. I think that this year, of all years, we could each benefit from giving our inner critic some time off.
2020 was a challenging year for all of us. Many of us probably saw early quarantine goals, like a workout routine or productivity level, fall by the wayside and might feel bad about it. I don’t think we need to. What if we ended 2020 feeling proud of what we did accomplish or the things we learned about ourselves or the strengths we discovered in the face of an unprecedented threat? You might not have gone running every day or finished a novel as you planned, but did you learn to be kinder to yourself? Did you resolve to check in with your loved ones more often? Did you keep yourself fed, even if the meals were sometimes microwaved or takeout? Did you survive, despite all the obstacles and hardships? Every one of these is a thing you should be deeply proud of. What if each of these lessons and successes were what we took with us into the new year to guide our paths instead of simply mapping out our failures and weak spots? What if we resolved never to forget the strength we showed this year, or vowed to remember the importance of the connections we sustained via Zoom and FaceTime and Skype? What if our resolution was to never stop being proud of ourselves for how well we’ve done, and to remember that anything we accomplish simply adds onto that foundation of growth?
Imagine what life could be like if we counted our victories, both big and small, every year, even when the pandemic finally subsides. If we healed from the trauma and grief but kept the strength and pride in what we had accomplished. This year I hope you can not simply resolve the things you want to change about yourself but also resolve to recognize the things about you that are already amazing and build on those as well. Most of all, I hope you have a very Happy New Year, and are able to rest for a few moments in the hope that always comes from a fresh start.
As someone who lives with with autoimmune disorders (lupus, fibromyalgia, APL, Sjogren’s Syndrome, RA and chronic pain from spinal stenosis), COVID-19 was an illness I hoped I’d never have to face. My conditions make me immunocompromised, meaning I was always at higher risk for serious complications if I contracted a respiratory virus like COVID-19. When I tested positive, I felt so many emotions: sadness, fear, confusion, and loneliness. Something that helped to calm each of these feelings was the advice and insights of others who had gone on this journey before me. Every time a friend or stranger who had already gone through COVID shared their symptoms, experiences and methods for coping, I felt more at peace and less alone. I wanted to do the same thing and share my experiences with COVID-19, not just to urge you to stay vigilant and keep your community safe by wearing a mask and washing your hands (although this is important!) but to help you know that, if you’re going through this, you’re not alone.
Carrie Ann’s COVID Timeline
This photo was taken the day before I tested positive for COVID. I had my regular work on The Talk and a photoshoot after; I started to feel a little off but tried to fight it and stay positive.
Marylin Lee Spiegel doing my make up at “The Talk”
Fortunately, nobody on my hair and makeup or styling team was infected even though they had exposure to me; their masks and shields and gloves worked to keep them safe. Remember that these safety measures can make a difference and can keep you and your loved ones safe!
Day 1 – 3
This photo is from just 24 hours later— COVID-19 hits fast, and it hits hard. Day 1 started with some strong fatigue that was more than my usual chronic fatigue. My eyes felt very heavy and I felt aches in my body, more than usual. In general I felt heavy and sluggish. On Day 2 I started to feel like I was catching a cold and a dry cough started— I’m used to having some dry cough from Sjogren’s but this felt different. It felt like something was heading into my chest, like bronchitis. I started to have a headache and general malaise. On Day 3 the fever came in at 102.00 and hovered between 100 – 102. The pain in my head was so intense I couldn’t move my eyes. There was no getting out of bed, there was coughing and congestion, pain and chills throughout my body. Everything hurt. I slept mostly on a heating pad, alternating between putting it on my chest and on my back. I couldn’t smell or taste anything.
Day 4-7
Nausea came along with the congestion and aches. I started to have diarrhea and stomach cramps along with the shooting pains from the fever. The fever stayed around 100 most of the day. I had no appetite. Still no taste and no smell. Headaches and sinus pressure and congestion continued. The dry cough persisted as well. I still felt weak and very tired, but the incredible pain behind my eyes and in my body from the fever had lessened.
Day 8-10
This is when the excruciating and stabbing pain started in my neck and shoulders. It moved to my head and my sinuses. But the worst of the pain was behind my shoulder blades. It was as if someone had a hot poker pressed into my shoulders all day and night. The pain was intense and relentless, so much so that it made me cry. That says a lot because I live with chronic pain and am used to coping with it— this ache in my shoulder blades still made me writhe in pain. It lasted for 2 days and then finally subsided. My fever dropped down to 98-99 (my normal temperature is 97.5- 97.7). I still had a sensitive stomach, but less nausea. I had a hard time keeping my food down; it would get stuck in my throat and then come back up. It was all so strange and I mostly just tried to keep my mind on positive things. My goal was for this virus to stay out of my lungs so throughout the duration, so I steamed every day and drank a lot of hot water. I remembered reading that COVID did not like heat so I tried to keep my body as warm as possible to discourage the virus. I continued to drink hot water and by Day 10 I started to taste and smell again.
Day 10 – 14
10 days out, I received my first negative COVID test. It was a relief to know that my body was cleared of the virus, even if I was still dealing with the aftermath. Congestion and the pain in my sinuses both continued. I still had a cough and my throat was starting to hurt from coughing so much. My temperature would spike up to 100 every once in a while and I felt like I had a cold. Day 10 I had good energy but by Day 11 I was back in bed.
Day 15 – 18
Finally, two weeks out from catching COVID, my energy started to come back. I could taste in the back of my mouth but not in the front of my mouth. Many things tasted sour. I could only smell eucalyptus or lavender if I put it right up in my nose. I still can’t smell a lot or taste everything, but it started improving. The pain in my sinuses and at the base of my skull is still so intense that I have to take Gralise and Hydrocodone to ease the pain. The sinus pressure is very intense. One day I felt like I had very high blood pressure, and my head felt like it was going to explode. Nothing eased that pain, not pain killers nor any massage or amount of water I drank. I was just grateful when it was gone the next morning.
Every day of this virus is something of an adventure. Different challenges pop up without any rhyme or reason so it’s hard to know what to do except to lay down and allow the virus to run its course. There is a lot of discomfort, and a lot of actual pain as well. There is congestion that feels like it will never end and when you can’t smell or taste, you feel isolated. It made me feel disconnected and depressed. I’m very sensitive to smell and am always using scents to change energy or clear energy, so not being able to smell has been emotionally difficult in a way I wouldn’t have expected. It takes an emotional toll.
Fighting back the fear that tries to roll over you when you hear the words “COVID” and “positive” in the same sentence is not easy. I had to truly focus only on healing and doing everything possible to keep this virus out of my lungs. I have scarring in my lungs from the years I have struggled with my autoimmune disease and with bouts of bronchitis so I was truly worried that I could end up in the hospital on a ventilator. But fear does no one any good, so I did everything I could to keep my mind in a positive state. Every day I watched comedies on TV. I watched Fleabag, Crashing, and Kim’s Convenience Store, along with a few episodes of my favorite, Schitt’s Creek.
I remembered a few things I had learned while my mom went through her journey with breast cancer and my father’s journey with esophageal cancer— that an important part of healing was your state of mind. I remember reading that it was helpful to watch comedies, and to laugh a lot. I tried to remember this in my own circumstances. I completely stayed away from the news. As I went through my own journey, COVID was really starting to ramp up in the world and everything in the news was about surging numbers and rising death tolls. Since the election news was dying down the news now fully focused on COVID and the surge. The images on the television were painful to watch: people suffering alone on ventilators, lying in halls, bodies overwhelming the morgues, hospital front line workers exhausted and frightened and frustrated. The vaccine was coming out right as I was heading into my worst days, and while that was good news there were also stories of people getting very sick from the second dose of the vaccine and that mixture of uncertainty with hope was so overwhelming.
I had to actively work to calm my mind with a strong discipline. I used my favorite meditation app, Insight Timer, and did guided meditations by Sarah Blondin, who is one of my go-tos. I also did guided meditations for fear and for sickness and pain. They helped me to pass the time in a way that allowed my spirit to stay as calm as possible. Another emotional challenge I had to face was the worry that I had caused others to get sick. That’s a part of this whole COVID experience that needs to be talked about. I could feel when I first got it that everyone wanted to blame someone, myself included. I wanted someone to blame. But then, at the same time, I felt terribly responsible for anyone who might have caught it from me. It’s a horrible feeling I will tell you, to know you might have caused someone else to feel ill and to feel the fear that this virus causes, not just for the person infected but for all those who love them or are in their family. What I realized quickly was that blame was not useful. That was a waste of what little energy I had at my disposal. I instead focused only on healing and doing everything I could to take care of myself and those I knew who had also caught it, and stay connected. The outpouring of love I received was powerful and it helped me to stay positive. I wrote in my diary and tried to share my journey openly in my Instagram stories to help anyone else who might be going though their own challenges. I kept in close contact with my mom. She was very supportive and helped me pass the time with research. I knew it was killing her that she couldn’t be here with me. But she found her strength after the initial shock and fear washed over her and she has been an amazing support system. I was also fortunate that my boyfriend and I caught it at the same time so we didn’t have to be alone while we were going through it. But I will say that this virus can cause incredible strain, even with the people you love the most. About halfway through this process, we were both feeling so lousy that we were fighting and didn’t want to spend time together. When I was feeling the pain in my back, I just couldn’t deal with anything, not even the man I love. COVID causes disconnection in so many ways, and that is what we need to fight. Even though we have to be isolated in so many ways from the people we love, we have to fight the disconnect because as humans we need connection to survive.
At the time of writing this, I have tested negative for the virus twice so it is out of my system. And for that I am grateful…truly, truly grateful. But it isn’t really out of my system. The lingering effects are still quite uncomfortable. I have sinus pain and pressure that forces me to lay down it’s so intense. It makes me want to claw at my face, to push it out of my sinuses. It’s intense. I’m sensitive to sounds and light, and the cough is persistent and I wonder if it will ever go away. I still don’t taste things quite right, and that has affected my appetite. I’m confused as to when I want to eat and what to eat, but I’m hungry. Food is not satisfying nor is it very comforting at this time. I’ve lost about 5 pounds which in some ways I am not complaining about since I had gained so much weight during the pandemic from my stress eating. Even on the other side of two negative tests, my life is still not quite normal again. Yesterday I was up and doing my taxes and going through receipts from the year, and today I had to lay in bed most of the day. My pain levels were at about an 8, exacerbated by my autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia. My doctors have no answers. When I first found out I had COVID, I called my doctor. This is what he said to me: “If your fever is over 100 for three days, and your pulse goes up to 120 and your oxygenation goes below 93, go to the ER.” Other than that, he had nothing for me. He basically told me I was on my own. I called another doctor that I work with and he checked to see if I was a candidate for the antibodies infusion but I wasn’t. I was all alone with my COVID and my only option was just to wait and see where it went. The nurse that came to give me my tests was my lifeline. She gave me recipes that people had used that seemed to shorten the duration of the virus. She helped normalize the conversation about the symptoms. She was clear and very helpful. I’m forever grateful to her for her clear advice and her care. I felt strange when she would come near me knowing that I had COVID and she did not. I felt a strong sense of respect for her and her courage. It helped me to understand how much courage all the front line workers have had to muster every day in order to help people. I salute all the health care workers during this time. And I appreciate you all. Thank you for helping us in our time of need, for being brave for all of us and not giving up on us.
What I’ve learned during these last few weeks while going through this COVID journey is that love and connection very important. Taking care of each other and ourselves is so important at this time, and that has to include taking care of those who are in need. This is the bond of humanity that will help us all get through this terrible time. “Isolation” is the word of the year and we are all feeling it. COVID has made this year truly a difficult one for all of us. There is no way to sugarcoat how challenging this year has been, the toll it’s taken on our souls and spirits, how costly the isolation and fear have been. I wish I had a simple thought that could help us all deal with it. But I don’t. And I struggle each day right with you to just get through the heaviness. What I can say is this: Life is difficult. We are all struggling. And so, I think we should be kind to each other. Each of us is struggling with something different but know that we are all struggling through these times. We have all experienced loss in some way, whether it’s the loss of life, a loved one, a job, freedom, hope, or the sense of identity that comes from the society we had lived in for so long. That is all gone. Life is changed forever. It’s important to accept this. But it is my hope that we can find a stronger sense of compassion between us as human going through this time. Because we will find a way through this. And we will bear the heaviness because we are survivors. We are so much stronger than we thought. And we don’t need as much as we thought we did in order to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Peace is a choice. These are decisions that we can still make no matter what the news says. No matter what your bank account says. I keep trying to choose peace. I keep trying to choose hope. I sometimes fail. But I keep trying. That’s what we can do. We can keep trying, and we can continue to be kind to each other and lead our lives with compassion because we are all going through this. If you can, help to feed those who cannot put food on their tables at this time. This is something that I believe is important to do. We need to share what we have with those who need it, whether it is love, friendship, compassion, food, money, or shelter. Sharing is indeed caring, and that is what we need to do to get through this. Not only will it help the person in need, but it will lift your own spirits as well.
I’m sending you all hugs and so much love.
I hope that we will all make it through this time. I have hope that my health will return and that I will make a full recovery in time. I know I have to have patience. I thank you for your support and for your love during this time. I sincerely hope that you are all okay and that you can find peace every day even if just for a moment. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Writing this helped me to find my peace today and I’m grateful.
May God keep you safe and may you always know you are loved.
Here are some of the things I did to help me get through my COVID experience; if you’re going through something similar in your journey, I hope some of them can help you as well.
Tylenol for pain and fever
NyQuil to sleep and quell the cough at night
Steam with eucalyptus (even when I couldn’t smell) breathing in through the nostrils and through the mouth.
Heating pad on the back and on the chest as often as possible
Neti Pot with warm salt water twice a day
Onion, Garlic, Ginger root boiled in large pot of water, poured into a cup with lemon or lime and honey for taste ( Although you most likely won’t taste it)
Garlic and Ginger root tea mixed with honey.
Lemon and hot water
Hot baths with Epsom salts
Get up and stretch if possible at least once a day.
Afrin for sinus congestion
Oregano Oil
Vitamin C and D and B12
Bayer Aspirin
Rest as much as possible.
Drink lots of water.
Think positively.
Stay connected to friends and family.
No kisses for your pets— There are studies that show they can catch it.
Get some sunshine when you can to help lift your spirits.
Listen to good calming music
Watch funny or heartwarming films or series.
Read uplifting books.
To read more about Carrie Ann’s advice and experiences living with autoimmune conditions, click here.
In this year it’s often been hard to see the passing of time or check off any benchmarks; many of our days have all looked the same for months, which can make it difficult to see progress or set goals or even just feel time passing. Despite all of these challenges, the New Year can still offer the perfect opportunity both literally and symbolically to start over fresh; it’s a chance to wave goodbye to this past year and look toward the future with intention and hope. If you’re looking for a new goal or meditation to take on for the coming year, why not start by looking at your Enneagram? Your Enneagram type can offer so many insights into your deeper needs and outlook, and that makes it a great tool for creating intentions for yourself.
Enneagram Type 1s tend to have a need for completion and can think of their goals, ambitions and daily lives in somewhat rigid terms. This tendency to check off boxes can make you feel uncomfortable in grey areas where there’s no clear end date or benchmarks, but these grey areas can have a lot to offer. Try making some more subjective goals this year, whether it’s learning an instrument or getting outside more or being more open in communication and see that even goals that don’t fit into boxes can add value to your life.
Type 2: Be Upfront About Your Expectations.
A lot of times as an Enneagram Type 2, you’ll hear that your fatal flaw is that you care too much about others and don’t speak up enough about your own needs. This is completely true and something you should always watch out for; Type 2s are often quite sacrificial and this can be a strength and a weakness. However, what’s often forgotten when we talk about Type 2s is that there’s another dimension to their selfless acts. You think of others often, but truthfully you’ve probably noted when someone doesn’t do the same for you more than once. 2s gauge how much they are loved by how others reciprocate their affection, as do many of us, but they rarely make this expectation known. 2s might shy away from letting their loved ones know about these expectations out of a fear of looking selfish or high maintenance. While this is admirable, being upfront about your own needs, and your expectations, is truly a gift you can give others as well as your self. It can help your loved ones to care for you more effectively and precisely.
3. Define Your Own Image of Success.
Enneagram Type 3s have a super-powered ability to excel wherever they find themselves, but often have a tendency to define success on others’ terms. Spend some time thinking about what your best self would look like to you and only you and reflect on what you would be doing if you had only yourself to impress. Would anything be different? See where that line of thought leads you and notice the places it contrasts goals or images you’ve pursued in the past.
4. Embrace Your Connections As Well As Your Individuality.
Thoughtful, intense, and deeply individualistic, Type 4s have a need to separate themselves from everyone else and demonstrate their uniqueness. The emphasis on individuality can also leave you feeling isolated. Meditate on the ways you are similar to others, even if it feels threatening at first. Finding common ground with others doesn’t make you less special and it might help you feel less alone in challenging times.
5. Prioritize Needs Other Than Self-Preservation
As an Enneagram Type 5, you have a deep passion for accruing knowledge and storing it for later. This can also be your approach to other resources, including your time and energy. 5s tend to approach the world from a place of self-protection, worrying that others might try to take something away from them. This new year, try thinking about what you have to gain from the world instead. If you haven’t prioritized physical experiences as much as mental ones, try making a pact to visit a beautiful path or trail once a week or start doing yoga. If you’ve been neglecting your relationships, try investing in them and see if they leave you with more than you had instead of less.
6. Strive To Look Beyond Your First Impressions.
Because you often seek security above everything, you can have a tendency towards thinking in black and white and trying to label things as good or bad right away. This is handy for survival but not always necessary- open yourself up to learn more about a person or situation before forming a snap judgement and notice that you do often have time to come to more informed conclusions instead of running with your first instinct.
7. Embrace The Mundane
The Enthusiasts of the Enneagram, Type 7s love nothing more than the freedom to fly from one exciting experience to the next. While this means there’s rarely a dull moment, this impulse to speed past moments that are slow or uncomfortable (or boring!) can mean you might miss out on some experiences worth having. See how it feels to sit in moments that aren’t incredible or ineffable but are just simple or quiet or nice; if you treasure them, consider how you approach or prioritize experiences accordingly.
8. Consider the Value of Empathy in Your Relationships
If you’re an Enneagram Type 8, you’ve likely prided yourself on calling others out for their B.S. in the past. 8s can see themselves as the ones who call things as they see them which can cause them to view others who hedge or speak vaguely as “fake.” Yes, honesty and candor are important and admirable traits, but the best path forward might not always require these at full power. Sometimes, it can be better to let someone go uninterrogated for any number of reasons where confronting them might not be kind or constructive. There’s a difference between acting fake and acting with kindness and empathy, and some situations might call for a less blunt approach.
9. Create and Protect Your Boundaries
Type 9s are called Mediators for a reason. You’re extremely talented at accommodating others and repressing any parts of yourself that could cause conflict; this makes you an excellent friend but can often put you in situations where others ask too much of you without thinking. Because 9s are so used to becoming what they need to be for others, they can grow numb to the voice inside stating their own needs— try to make it a priority to listen to and stand up for this voice when it asks for space, time, or the option to say no. Setting boundaries with others can be scary, but your needs are as valid as anyone else’s.
The New Year is always a great opportunity to evaluate where we’ve come from and look toward the future, conceiving of a better, more realized version of ourselves. This could be the perfect time to hear what the Enneagram is trying to tell you and use it to inform another year of growth, learning and evolution.
If you celebrate, I would like to start by wishing you a very warm and merry Christmas. I know that for most of us, this holiday doesn’t look the same as it has in the past. Mixed in with the sentimentality and warmth might be loss, grief, the overwhelming absence of ones we wish we could be with. For many this month marks the end of a very long year, full of trials, difficulty, and altered expectations. There is no denying the sorrow and hardship this year may have held for you and I want to keep a space for these very valid feelings on a day that is usually such a joyful one.
I believe we can always recognize the gifts that life has for us, even if they’re not what we expected; the losses of this year throw into sharper relief that which we still possess. If you’re able to spend this holiday with a loved one, hold them tight. If you’re celebrating with your friends or family remotely instead of physically, what a blessing to still be able to have their faces and voices if not their embrace. If all you have this year are memories, surround yourself with them. Photos, stories, letters, recipes, inside jokes: these are all ways that the ones we love stay in our lives and in our hearts even if they feel far away at the current moment. Human connection is always a gift and those we love are truly more precious than anything that could be wrapped in a box.
The gift that Christmas holds for us is rarely receiving a new possession; it’s the spirit of gratitude itself. It’s a chance to recognize, as a thousand Christmas stories and movies have shown us, that gathering our loved ones to us is something we should never take for granted. I hope today you are able to hold someone you love, even if this is via a phone call from states away. I hope that today can hold warmth for you, even if it’s just a space you create for yourself to be grateful to be alive, to taste your favorite desert or sing your favorite song or look our your window at the sky and think about all thats still to come. The love you hold for yourself is as important as the love you hold for anyone else and I hope your help yourself to a bigger dose than ever on this day.
I want to end by telling you how thankful I am for you. If you feel lonely this year I hope you can count me among your community and know that you are held and loved and important this day and all days. What is community if not those we share our stories with and connect with even when life is hard? If you are here, with me, reading this right now, I want you to know how much gratitude I hold for you. I’m beyond grateful that you would spend a moment in this space with me, connecting with my words.
I want to wish you a very merry Christmas, a chance to be thankful for the connections you have or the strength you’ve gained or the enumerable ways you’ve grown in the past twelve months. I hope you find a special brightness today.
Finding gifts for your loved ones over the holidays can always be a bit stressful, but on a tight budget it can start to feel overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you’re caught between your finances and the expectations of the people you care about the most. If anxiety starts to rise as you think about how to get your friends and family gifts that they’ll love, it’s so important to remember that a gift is just a representation of your relationship with someone else. The price tag will never matter as much as the amount of effort, thought, and love that are put into a gift, and many of the greatest gifts don’t have to cost a thing. Here are a few ideas for free gifts that will make the holidays shine for your loved ones.
Create A Free Gift from Things Around Your Home
A gift doesn’t have to come from a store to be valued and appreciated; here are a few meaningful gifts you can make out of things you already have.
Pass Along a Favorite Book. If there’s a book you think someone on your list would love, consider taking it off your shelf and inscribing it with a thoughtful message. The fact that you love it will only make your loved one appreciate it more.
Press A Flower for Them. If you’ve got a garden or live near an area with wildflowers, pick a few that are your loved one’s favorite kind or color and press them inside a heavy book— when it’s time to present them, you can glue them inside a card or scrapbook or even put them in an old frame as a piece of decor they’ll treasure forever.
Give Them a Cutting From One of Your Plants. If you love gardening and have a plant that’s easy to propagate like a pothos or a succulent, you can plant a cutting from one of them in an old mug with some soil. Giving your loved one a plant grown from something you have is a beautiful message and will always make them think of you when they look at it.
Give Them A Photo Gift. A photo can be great gift that can have a lot of meaning without costing much. Either print or regift a photo you already have and put it in an old frame—for added sentiment, you can write a personal note on the back of the photo for them to read and think of you.
Create an Affirmations Jar. If you have a free jar on hand, the perfect gift is only a few steps away. Create a bunch of paper scraps and write either an affirmation, a favorite memory, a word of encouragement or an inspiring quote on each one. Fold them all up and put them in the jar, and your loved one will receive the gift of a little burst of positivity whenever they need it the most.
Give the Gift of An Experience
A memory or adventure can be just as much fun as a physical gift; here are some ways to give someone an amazing experience as a gift.
Plan An Outing. An experience can be a great free gift that provides your loved one with a memory to cherish forever. Map out a tour of places in your town where the two of you have memories, or find a special or interesting place to take them that’s within driving distance. You can just even take them for a walk on a nearby trail or park and save any leaves, flowers or interesting rocks you find on the way as a keepsake.
Make Them Coupons For Services. If you’re trying to find a gift for someone who appreciates acts of service, the old homemade coupon route can be a great way to show them you care. Think about the things they’ve mentioned wanting or needing, whether it’s a night of complementary babysitting, a clean house or car, or a lesson in something you know how to do, and customize your free gift to these needs.
Give the Gift of Your Voice. If you live far away from your loved one, consider making a recording of yourself reading a section of a book you both love or recounting a story from your past. You never know how much someone might be missing your voice, and giving them a way to feel closer to you whenever they’re feeling lonely can be more meaningful than you realize.
Get Creative
Whether you’re artistically inclined or not, there are many ways to make the perfect gift without spending money at all.
Give the Gift of Art. If you’ve got a creative outlet, whether it’s drawing, writing, poetry, or any other kind of art, think about how you can channel it into creating a thoughtful free gift for a loved one. Draw a picture of their favorite animal or place, write a story about them or something they love, write a poem for them and frame it, write a song and perform it for them. You have so many options to use your skill in a way that will be so meaningful when received.
Make a Memory Book. Either print up or handwrite a bunch of your favorite memories of your loved one or list the things you love about them. You can even attach any photos you have. Your loved one is sure to appreciate the thought you put into writing down all your favorite stories and will love having the book to look back at.
Give Them a Glamorous Photoshoot. If you have a camera, or even a nice cameraphone, you can plan out a photoshoot for your loved one in a nice local park or garden. It’s always nice to feel beautiful and you’ll be giving them the chance to look their best and have the photos to keep forever. If they have a partner or child you can include them in the fun and give the gift of a free family photo session.
Make a Recipe Book. If you’re an accomplished cook, try writing down your favorite recipes in a book or stowing them in a box to give the free gift of some fresh and exciting meals. You can even recruit other mutual friends or family to add their own favorite recipes to the mix!
Create a Special Playlist. If you have iTunes or Spotify, curate a playlist for your loved one full of songs you think they’d like or ones that are important to your relationship. If you have a CD on hand you can even burn the playlist to the disk for a physical element. Even if you don’t have a go-to music service, you can create a playlist of songs on Youtube or even find free music from your local library. No matter how you put it together, music can be such a powerful way to communicate feelings and memories and your loved one will be sure to appreciate the gesture.
No matter what your budget is this holiday season, finding gifts to suit your loved ones can be simple if you have a little time and creativity. Some of the best gifts are ones that don’t cost anything at all; something on this list is sure to stay in your giftee’s heart for years to come.
It’s never easy to be alone during the holidays, and it can be especially tough if you’re older and facing issues like limited mobility or financial stresses. It’s so important to remember that you are valuable and you are loved, and there are so many ways to keep this at the top of your mind this holiday season.
Do Things for Your Own Joy
Spending a holiday alone can be difficult, but one thing that might help is remembering all the joy and love in your life. Take out old pictures of your favorite people and your favorite moments and make them present in your home. Play your favorite music around the house or light a candle that you love to make your space truly feel like you. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do fun things; on the contrary, it’s all the more reason to decorate, play music, or make a tasty meal.
To me, rereading a book can feel like a vacation or a visit from an old friend; it’s one of the ways I like to pass alone time and it helps me feel connected both to the past and to my own imagination. If you have a quiet moment, try taking one of your favorite books off of the shelf and spend an afternoon enjoying the company of your favorite author.
If you’re feeling cooped up or limited in options, a driving service can even help you get out and about so you don’t need to depend on others to do chores or enjoy a local site.
Remember Your Favorite Holiday Traditions
If you’re alone, the holidays can lead many to think of the things (or loved ones) that are absent, but you can also focus on the aspects of the holiday that you’ve always loved, especially the things that emphasize your connections to others. Keep up your Christmas card list, bake your favorite recipe or even do a baking exchange with your loved ones, and make your house look the way you want, whether this involves decking it out or just displaying a few of your favorite decorations that have good memories attached to them.
Budget to Avoid Stress
If your finances have a tendency to get stressful this time of year, you’re not alone. The holidays leave many people feeling stressed about meeting expectations, especially if it feels like you have to figure everything out on your own. Making a list of people to get gifts for can get stressful fast, but remember that what your loved ones care about the most is the relationship you share, not what you can buy them. Make sure to budget ahead of time, and think of homemade gifts you can get for people that will mean more to them than something store bought.
Keep up With Loved Ones
Keeping up with new technology can be intimidating, but especially this year there are so many tools that can keep you connected with the people who matter the most. Zoom, Skype, and Facetime can all allow you to feel like you’re in the room with everyone who matters to you even when you can’t be together physically. There are free tutorials online for every video chat software, from Skype to Zoom, that can help you feel less alone during the holidays. Taking a few minutes to get to know these services, or having a loved one walk you through them, is a small investment that can help you stay in touch with your loved ones all holiday long.
Be sure to share things with your loved ones in whatever capacity works this year, whether it’s stories, your favorite recipes, old photos, or simply your time. Remember that you’re a valuable member of your family and your community with lots to offer.
Get Moving However You Can
Moving around is always a great way to feel happier and more upbeat, no matter what activity level you feel up to. Whether you do a home workout, a walk around the block, some simple stretching or just some mindful breathing, there’s a way for you to engage with your body and feel better on the inside. The holidays can be difficult and giving yourself a way to feel good, healthy and strong will help you to thrive.
Make Your Mental Wellness A Priority
Isolation during the holidays can take its toll, and it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Caring Senior Service says that seniors are more likely to suffer from depression, but less likely to seek help for it. Make sure to lean on your loved ones and communities when you need it; they’re there for you. If you belong to a church, check to see if they provide counseling or one-on-one care; this can be a great resource and a service that really can give you the relief and support you deserve. Remember that you matter, you are loved, and that you’re never truly alone this holiday season.
No matter how your holidays look this year, there are so many ways to generate joy and cheer and have a good time even if you’re on your own for part or all of the season. Isolation is always a challenge, particularly for seniors, and if you’re struggling this year, you’re not alone. Whether it’s getting up to speed on a video chatting app, spending a few hours with your favorite memories, creating homemade gifts for your loved ones in other households or simply staying connected in your church or community, there are so many options to bring you support and happiness this holiday season.
If you’re a lover of astrology, you’ll know that one of its greatest strengths is the extra perspective it can give you on your friends and loved ones. This is never of more practical use than it is when you find yourself buying a present and need all the information you can get to settle on the perfect gift. A person’s astrological sign can help illuminate so much about your closest friends and loved ones and highlight the things that they’ll truly appreciate about a gift.
Aquarius
Eclectic and independent, Aquarians have a knack for marching to the beat of their own drummer. They’re anti-authority and individuality, meaning they tend to express themselves by picking up hobbies and interests that are a bit off the beaten path. This means there are no hard and fast rules when finding gifts for this astrological sign; something that speaks to their tastes or specific interests will go a long way. That being said, here are a few gifts an Aquarius might be tickled to find under the tree.
For an Aquarius, there’s nothing like the gift of a new fixation. An out-of-pocket, self-contained hobby like this will give them the perfect excuse to disappear into their own world for a few moments.
Aquarians love to keep their spaces eclectic to reflect their personalities, and aesthetic taste tends to be a big part of their lives. This simple but beautiful glass lamp is sure to suit them (and their room) perfectly.
Pisces
Pisces tend to be among the more emotional and spiritual signs, flowing through the depths of their emotions as easily as a fish in water. Pisces are deeply creative and empathic, which means they can be sensitive to other peoples’ moods and have a hard time setting boundaries. A great gift for Pisces’ astrological sign is anything that gives them an excuse to check out of reality for a few moments, or check in for a bout of creativity. Anything self-care related will be a welcome treat for a Pisces, as will any excuse for them to express themselves creatively.
Because Pisces tend to be sensitive, they need a lot of restorative self-care to remain balanced. This set of masks should keep them stocked with excuses to have spa nights for a while.
Aries
Arguably the fieriest of the fire signs, the ram is known for being passionate, direct, and confident. Aries have a strong desire to lead and an allergy to compromise; they aren’t as averse to conflict as many other signs are. Competitors by nature, any game, sport or challenge you throw their way, as well as anything that furthers one of their passions make great gifts for this astrological sign.
Aries might be the type most likely to watch a movie and say that the villain “had a point;” chances are, they’ve been perceived as the villain a time or two because of their direct nature and penchant for conflict and they can probably relate. They’ll love this game for letting them unleash a little chaos in a way that’s fun for everyone!
Aries’ tend to be ruled by their passions which make them powerful friends and good leaders, but it can also mean they have a hard time seeing their impulses and desires from a bigger perspective. This passion planner can help them channel their energy and curtail their impulses to create a more effective direction for themselves.
Taurus
Known for being down-to-earth and pragmatic, Tauruses also have a deep love for comfort and beauty in their spaces. Tauruses project comfiness everywhere they choose to nest, and it’s evident in everything from their curated blanket and teacup collections to their art and snacks. If you want to give a this astrological sign a gift, think of things that will enhance their favorite place: their home.
A mini zen garden like this one can make a great addition to a Taurus’ decor and give them an excuse to spend a long moment getting it to look just the way they like it.
Gemini
Vibrant and curious, Geminis are known for their sense of humor and a tendency to bounce between hobbies and fascinations at a rate that their friends might describe as “dizzying.” Governed by the communication planet Mercury, Geminis love nothing more than to amass knowledge and then diffuse it (or dump it, as the case may be) all over their chosen loved ones. If you love a Gemini, you know they aren’t discrete about their interests. Whether it’s an obsession with a movie from the 80s, Shakespearian sonnets or a specific dog on the Internet, let the things they talk about obsessively guide you to the perfect gift for this astrological sign.
Geminis love knowledge but they also love picking up way way more books than they could ever read. With these floating shelves, you can help them turn these books into a lovely home aesthetic and prevent an impending book avalanche.
Geminis love nothing more than adding more information to their hoarde; whether it’s tongue-in-cheek or sincere, a book like this one is sure to genuinely thrill the knowledge-loving Gemini.
Cancer
Emotionally deep, sensitive and highly self-protective, Cancers enjoy creating safe, comfortable spaces for themselves and tend to be loving and generous with those that are close to them. Gifts for this astrological sign that lean into their deeper emotional need for softness and comfort will certainly make your favorite Cancer feel loved.
Give your favorite hard-shelled Cancer the chance to access their soft, sentimental side by pressing their favorite flower and putting it in this gorgeous frame.
Most Cancers would never turn down an extra candle; this one is sure to keep their space feeling cozy and calm.
Leo
Confident and bold, Leos love luxury and feeling like the life of the party. Very rarely will a Leo balk at being “too much” or “over the top;” Leos don’t tend to see the point in doing anything small! When you’re buying a gift for this astrological sign, you should use the same philosophy and don’t shy away from going big and dramatic.
If the Leo you love has really been missing tearing up their favorite karaoke bar this year, this is the perfect gift to get them back in the saddle, recreating the experience of performing in their home!
Virgo
Virgos can be specific, tending to fill their lives with rules and favorite rituals. Pragmatic and precise, this astrological sign enjoys gifts that fit into their routine or, even better, make things easier on them. Anything that makes life more convenient will make the perfect present for a Virgo.
Chances are, your Virgo has been keeping a to-read list as long as you’ve known them— pay homage to their inner bookworm with a candle that smells like their dream library.
Tending to a bonsai tree requires patience, discipline, and precision, all of which are a Virgo’s strong suits. Your loved one will adore watching this tree grow under their careful guidance.
Libra
Charismatic, fun-loving and flamboyant, Libras love nothing more than a fun time with good company. Anything that makes life more enjoyable for a Libra, whether it’s a riveting piece of entertainment, luxurious self-care, or something that’ll make a great story at a party, will make for a gift they’ll remember for years to come.
Because Libras love to be social, it’s important to them to look their best. The gift of skincare for this astrological sign will be the perfect way to jumpstart their new year, and what Libra doesn’t love a little self-care?
Libras have a deep love for art of all kinds and love to be great at everything they do; learning to play an instrument like the simple ukulele and getting to produce beautiful music of their own will be a welcome gift, and one that you’ll likely start to see making an appearance in their social media.
Scorpio
Known for being mysterious, dramatic and intense, it can be intimidating to figure out what to get a Scorpio. Their passions run deep, and they’ve got an acerbic side that might frighten away more distant acquaintances. At their hearts, though, Scorpios love anything that keeps them enthralled or helps them stand out in a crowd. A gift that shows this astrological sign that you know who they are deep down will mean the world.
As one of the most tactile signs, Scorpios love experiences that utilize their senses— a set of bath salts that smell incredible while soothing skin and muscles will become their go-to stress reliever.
Sagittarius
Optimistic, free-wheeling and spontaneous, Sagittarians love to live in the moment and have fun no matter what they’re doing. Your Sagittarius friend is probably known for their brash sense of humor and aversion to planning anything ever. When thinking about astrological gifts for this sign, try to lean into their fun-loving side and their attraction to travel and exploration.
Even if their travel plans might have gotten scrubbed this year, your Sagittarius likely has a long list of places to visit and a phone full of memories from previous trips. A thoughtful gift like this will allow them to keep track of where they’ve been and always keep their eye fixed on their next adventure.
Spontaneous as they are, Sagittarians always rate at the top of the “Most Likely To Wreck Their Phones” list. This waterproof case not only protects your favorite archer’s phone from everyday wear and tear but will come in handy the next time they want to jam out in the shower or take a video from inside the pool because “it’ll look so cool.”
Capricorn
Goal-oriented, driven and organized to a tee, Capricorns don’t know any other way to go through life than “with a plan.” The best gifts for our astrological goat friends are ones that help them make order out of chaos (organizers, planners, or even a complimentary deep-clean for their apartment) or ones that encourage them to take a break at least once in this lifetime.
If you’ve got a Capricorn who loves their sign and astrology in general, they’ll love this planner that folds all that information together. Your Capricorn will feel like this book, complete with its prompts for inner reflection and big-picture planning, is speaking directly to them.
Capricorns work hard, which means they also rest hard. Caps tend to take the term “off the clock” seriously; when they’ve completed their daily tasks you’re likely to find them in full hibernation mode. This tasty sampler of teas will make a great companion for them while they curl up with some fuzzy blankets and the dumbest TV show they can find.
Using astrology can be a great way to guide yourself to the perfect gift for everyone on your list, from the eclectic Aquarians to the regimented Capricorns. I hope these tips help you treat your loved ones and maybe learn something new about them in the process.
One of the best parts of winter is getting the cozy feeling of curling up with a warm spirit. This season brings with it so many great flavors and scents; there’s almost nothing that captures them better than the perfect spiced beverage. A cup of spiced cider, hot toddy, or even gin punch can be the perfect accessory to a warm evening in, a way to celebrate with loved ones or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself. Here are 10 recipes for hot toddies and other comforting warm cocktails to keep coming back to no matter how chilly it gets.
Apple cider is always a seasonal favorite, and its combination of sweet and spiced flavors make it perfect to turn into a nice warm cocktail. Make a classic hot toddy by mixing in warm honey, lemon, and your choice of whiskey or bourbon and enjoy.
Ingredients:
6 oz apple cider
1 oz whiskey or bourbon
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp honey
Heat the apple cider on the stove until boiling, then mix in the other ingredients. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.
Who doesn’t love a piping mug of hot chocolate to fight the winter chills? Add a grown-up flare with butterscotch schnapps and a few garnishes and you’ll have a sweet, enjoyable beverage to chase the cold away.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp sugar
dash of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 oz spiced rum
1.5 oz butterscotch schnapps
dash of orange bitters
Mix the cocoa powder and sugar with the salt in a large mug. Heat the milk on your stove and slowly mix it into the cocoa mixture. Next, add the vanilla, schnapps and rum and top with bitters, whipped cream, and any other garnishes you want!
Go old-school by creating a homemade wassail this winter! This tasty combination of mulled juices and spices will be the perfect way to warm your entire household or just cap off a particularly wintry evening.
Ingredients:
2 quarts apple juice
1 quart apple juice
1 can pineapple juice
1 orange
20 whole cloves
5 cinnamon sticks
Cut the orange into 5 slices and push 5 cloves into each orange slice. Combine the juices, oranges and cinnamon sticks in a crockpot and simmer on low for half an hour.
Strikingly red and seasonably tart, cranberry cocktails can make an atmospheric evening anytime. If you’ve gotten tired of all the sugar this holiday season can bring, you might like the dryer, less sweet option this hot toddy recipe provides.
Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
1 small orange
2 cinnamon sticks
1 piece of fresh ginger
1/2 tsp black peppercorns
1/2 tsp cloves
2 star anise
1/4 cup honey
3 oz bourbon
Heat cranberry juice, half of the orange, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, and star anise over the stove until the mixture simmers. Partially cover with a lid and let simmer for 10 minutes before removing from heat. Strain the liquid, return to stove and mix in honey. Pour a shot of bourbon into each glass and add the heated mixture.
If old fashioneds are your go-to drink, you’ll love this seasonal take on your forever favorite. Orange and cherries combine in this deep whiskey beverage, filling it with flavor and holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
1 sugar cube
3 dashes aromatic bitters
1 orange slice
1 maraschino cherry
splash of club soda
2 oz bourbon whiskey
2 oz hot water
Drop a sugar cube into a serving glass and saturate it with the bitters. Add the orange slice, cherry, and soda and muddle. Remove the fruit remnants and add the bourbon and warm water. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
A tasty mashup of tropical and seasonal, this sweet warm drink will keep you feeling toasty all winter long. If you’ve been longing for the perfect hot toddy recipe that provides a fruitier zip, this recipe will be the perfect choice for any cold day.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 1/4 cups pineapple juice
3 tbsp raw honey
6 oz spiced rum
8 oz ginger ale
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Heat juice, water, ginger ale, and alcohol over the stove and mix in cinnamon and nutmeg. Let simmer for 5 minutes and then serve. Garnish with an orange peel, star anise and whole cloves.
An apple pie in a glass, this super simple beverage is the perfect liquid dessert anytime you need a pick-me-up or a special celebration. It tastes exactly how it sounds; this beverage will taste just like a hot apple pie, with an alcoholic zip.
Ingredients:
2 oz Tuaca
1/2 cup hot apple cider
Simply heat apple cider, add the Tuaca, garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
Harken back to cozy taverns and old-timey carolers with this delicious buttery treat. If you’ve always been curious about buttered rum, this simple recipe will show you why it’s such a timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
6 oz dark rum
24 oz boiling water
Mix the softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and nutmeg until all are combined. Combine the butter mixture with rum and boiling water in a large pitcher and mix well; garnish with orange zest, ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
If you love the taste of fresh blackberries this thick, sweet mixture will warm up your night perfectly, mixing the fragrant dark berries with all the spices we’ve grown to love this time of year.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
6 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
2 star anise
1 juiced orange
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brandy
1 cup blackberries
1/4 cup maple syrup
Add all the ingredients to a pot and simmer for 30 minutes on a stovetop. Serve and garnish with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
A sweet, fizzy mixture, this punch is full of delicious fruits, spices and garnishes that will bring you cheer anytime.
Ingredients:
1 bottle gin
1 bottle Madeira wine
6 lemon twists
1 orange slice
3 pineapple chunks
3 oz honey
1 oz lemon juice
3 cloves
1 pinch nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp brown sugar
Combine the gin and wine over the stove. Add the lemon twists, orange slice and pineapple chunks, then stir in the honey, lemon juice, spices and sugar until dissolved. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain before serving; garnish with orange slices studded with cloves.
A hot toddy can be the perfect way to celebrate the season and warm the chilliest evening. Whether you prefer fizzy, fruity or tart, these recipes will keep you company and help you keep the holidays fun and delicious. Curl up with one of these toddies the next time you need to warm up.
If you have a dietary restriction, you know that it can add an extra layer of stress over the holidays. Having an autoimmune disorder can mean that many of the sugary, starchy holiday staples can have a negative impact on your system and cause painful flares.
The good news is that there are still plenty of holiday foods that fit within the Autoimmune Protocol Diet, which advises you to avoid foods that can cause inflammation or illness and recommends foods that can promote your wellness. Foods that the AIP says can cause inflammation include grains, legumes, nuts, eggs, dairy, processed sugars, alcohol and coffee. Likewise, the AIP recommends sticking to fresh foods with lots of nutrients that can help keep your gut (and the rest of your body) happy and healthy. Leafy greens and many vegetables fit in this category, but they’re not the only things you can have that’ll leave you feeling full and well! The biggest thing you should remember is to always consult your doctor before making big choices about changes to your diet because they’ll have the best advice for keeping you happy and healthy. That being said, here are some guidelines for holiday foods you can eat that will get you into the spirit of the season without compromising your health!
via A Clean Plate
Meals
Even small choices when it comes to cooking can make your food more autoimmune-friendly. When cooking, try to use healthy oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil instead of canola oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil or sunflower oil.
Potatoes are on the list of autoimmune disorder no-nos, which means staying away from mashed potatoes might be a good call. The good news? Mashed cauliflower exists! Whether you make it from scratch or buy it pre-made, well-seasoned mashed cauliflower can fill the potato-shaped hole in your life while keeping you feeling good. Likewise, sweet potatoes are on the AIPI approved list, so making mashed sweet potatoes another autoimmune-friendly option. Craving hashbrowns? You can fry up spaghetti squash until it’s crispy for a crunchy morning treat.
If you’re dealing with an autoimmune disorder, all sorts of yummy veggies are still on the menu. Sauteed broccoli, crispy brussels sprouts, crispy arugula, roasted carrots: if you’re creative, tasty, fresh vegetables can be used to form so many delicious meals over the holidays.
The AIP also recommends avoiding dairy, but the number of plant-based dairy alternatives on the market means it’s never been easier to enjoy all your favorite sides. Substitutes like oat milk, vegan butter, and even coconut milk whipped cream make baking and cooking an easier process all around.
The gluten content in pasta can be inflammatory and the AIP recommends staying far away; luckily, gluten-free pasta alternatives can be found in almost every grocery store. Pastas made with ingredients like chickpeas or yellow peas are an easy switch that might leave you feeling better after your meal.
via A Clean Plate
Sweets
Any time you can use fresh fruit as a treat, you’ll be getting your natural, AIP-approved sugar fix while also getting much-needed nutrients. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, sour cherries, pomegranates and cranberries also have antioxidants and are great at reducing inflammation.
Again, to avoid dairy, try easy substitutes like baking with vegan butter and plant-based milks, eating ice cream made with oat milk (as nuts and soy are both triggers) and you can even find vegan whipped cream for the perfect topping.
Try cooking with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, molasses, coconut sugar and date sugar as much as possible and avoid anything made with high fructose corn syrup to make sure your health stays intact even while you’re enjoying dessert.
In general the AIP recommends staying away from alcoholic drinks, but there are some choices that might be easier on your body than others. The sugars and sulfites in wine can make them a bad choice for people with autoimmune conditions. The same goes for beer and colored liquors because of the gluten and sugar. Attune Health thinks that clear liquors might be the easier on an autoimmune disorder, and cranberries are on the AIP approved list, so this cranberry pomegranate cocktail from Paleo Effect might be the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while avoiding inflammation or illness. Healing Autoimmune has a whole list of cocktails (and mocktails) that are tasty and autoimmune-friendly so that you can enjoy a drink without paying for it later. Make sure you always stay hydrated though!
Everyone deserves to have a holiday season that’s cheerful, fun and enjoyable. Even if you have an autoimmune disorder, there are plenty of ways to make sure you join in on the cheer of the holidays. It can be such a relief to know what to avoid and substitute to feel better, and I hope this list enables you to build a holiday that works for you.
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.OKPrivacy policy
